German Measles Symptoms

Rubella, commonly known as German measles, is a contagious infection caused by the rubella virus. Although rubella can cause severe birth defects if a woman catches the virus while pregnant, the disease itself usually is mild, particularly in children.

Initial Symptoms

• Rubella infection might begin with a day or two of low-grade fever and swollen lymph nodes in the back of the neck and behind the ears.

Definitive Symptom

• A rash is the definitive sign of rubella, but up to half of German measles cases occur without a rash, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Rash Characteristics

• The rash usually lasts up to 3 days, appearing on the face and spreading down to the feet. Pink or light red spots merge and form patches. The rash might be itchy and shed in fine flakes as it clears.

Additional Symptoms

• Young children may also experience general discomfort, joint aches, headache, runny nose and red eyes.

Teen and Adult Symptoms

• Teenagers and adults with German measles might have more intense symptoms including conjunctivitis, headache, loss of appetite, joint pain and swelling, runny nose or nasal congestion and swollen lymph nodes elsewhere in the body.