Rubella is a viral infection transmitted from person to person by droplets via coughs and sneezes. Typical symptoms include a red rash and swollen lymph glands around the ears and the back of the head and – occasionally in adults – pain and inflammation of the joints. Up to 50 % of individuals infected with rubella may not show symptoms.
In healthy individuals it is usually a mild disease. However, if a woman gets rubella shortly before getting pregnant or during the first three months of pregnancy, it is very likely to result in miscarriage or congenital anomalies known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
Rubella andpregnancy Consequences of rubella in a community where people were not vaccinated