German Measles (Rubella) »
What is rubella (German measles)?
A respiratory disease caused by a virus.
What are the symptoms of rubella?
Rash and fever for two to three days (mild disease in children and young
adults).
What are the complications of rubella?
Birth defects if acquired by a pregnant woman: deafness, cataracts, heart
defects, mental retardation, and liver and spleen damage (at least a 20% chance
of damage to the fetus if a woman is infected early in pregnancy).
How is rubella spread from person to person?
Spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing.
What is the rubella vaccine?
Rubella vaccine (contained in MMR vaccine) can prevent this disease.
You do NOT need the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) if:
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