Do I Have Rubella?

Did you skip to get vaccine against rubella for any reason?

Do you have a mild fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or lower?

Do you have a fine, pink-red rash on your body?

Do you have a pink rash that begins on your face and quickly spreads to the trunk, arms and legs?

Do you have a headache?

Do you have stuffy or runny nose?

Do you cough or have a sore throat?

Do you have inflamed red eyes?

Do you have enlarged and tender lymph nodes at the base of your skull, the back of your neck and behind your ears?

Do you have aching joints?

Have you been exposed to anyone with rubella?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have rubella. Rubella is an infectious disease caused by a virus called the rubella virus (RuV). Rubella is also known as German measles, but it should not be confused with measles (Rubeola), because these two conditions are not caused by the same virus. The best way to prevent rubella is with the MMR vaccine that protects you against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is highly effective. Rubella is rare in the US, but it is still common in some countries. Unvaccinated people can get rubella while traveling abroad and bring the disease to America.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have rubella. Rubella is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. People who are not vaccinated against rubella are at risk of contracting the disease. The virus is spread by coughing or sneezing of an infected person. It can be also transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her unborn child. The rubella virus can cause serious damage to the developing fetus, especially if a pregnant woman becomes infected in the first trimester. Rubella is characterized by a pink-red rash, but your doctor will order a virus culture or blood test to confirm the diagnosis.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have rubella. Rubella is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. In most people, the symptoms of rubella are mild. The first sign of infection is a pink or red-spotted rash that usually lasts about three days. Therefore, rubella is often referred to as “tree day measles.” Pregnant women infected with rubella may face miscarriage or severe congenital defects in a developing baby called congenital rubella syndrome. People infected with rubella are contagious a week before and a week after the rash appears. Treatment involves supportive care and isolation from others during the contagious period.