What are the symptoms of rebella?

Symptoms of rubella (German measles)

In most cases, people who are infected with rubella don’t develop symptoms or have only mild symptoms, such as:

* Low-grade fever

* Mild rash

* Swollen lymph nodes

* Headache

* Muscle aches

* Joint pain

* Runny nose

* Cough

Rubella symptoms usually last 2-3 days. However, symptoms may be more severe in some people, especially adults. They may include:

* High fever

* Severe rash

* Joint pain

* Difficulty breathing

* Headache

* Muscle aches

In rare cases, rubella can cause encephalitis, a swelling of the brain. Encephalitis is most common in adults and children who have a weakened immune system.

Rubella symptoms in pregnant women

Rubella can be very harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Pregnant women who are infected with rubella early in their pregnancy are at highest risk of having babies with birth defects. These defects can include:

* Cataracts

* Congenital heart disease

* Deafness

* Growth restriction

* Intellectual disability

* Liver damage

* Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)

* Microcephaly (small head size)

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, it is important to get vaccinated against rubella. The rubella vaccine is safe and effective in preventing rubella and its serious complications.