Rubella (German Measles): Symptoms & Signs

Infection with a virus causes rubella, a contagious disease. German measles is another name for rubella. While rubella virus infection typically causes a mild illness, it can lead to birth defects in the unborn baby if a pregnant woman becomes infected. People also sometimes refer to the illness as three-day measles, and it's not as severe as measles (rubeola, which is the result of infection with a different virus).

Rubella virus infection does not always cause symptoms or signs. When signs and symptoms associated with rubella virus do occur, these usually include low-grade fever and rash. Other symptoms and signs can include swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, malaise, and headache.

Cause of German measles

Infection with the rubella virus causes rubella, or German measles. The infection spreads via fluid infected with the virus (for example, through coughing, sneezing, or sharing drinks or food with an infected person).

Other rubella (german measles) symptoms and signs

• Conjunctivitis
• Cough
• Headache
• Joint Pain
• Joint Swelling
• Loss of Appetite
• Malaise
• Mild Fever
• Rash That Starts on the Face and Moves Down the Body
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Sore Throat
• Swollen Lymph Nodes

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