Tarrant County Public Health
“Safeguarding our community’s health”
The Facts About Rubella
What is Rubella?
Rubella, sometimes called German measles or three-day measles, is a contagious disease caused by a virus. The
infection is usually mild with fever and rash. If a pregnant woman gets infected, the virus can cause serious birth
defects.
What are the symptoms of Rubella?
Children with Rubella usually develop a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It can be
accompanied by a low fever (less than 101 degrees). These symptoms last two or three days. Older children and
adults may also have swollen glands and symptoms like a cold before the rash appears. Aching joints occur in
many cases, especially among young women. About half of the people who get Rubella do not have symptoms.
How is Rubella transmitted?
The disease is spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing.
How can I be protected from Rubella?
The best way to protect against Rubella is by getting an MMR shot (Measles-Mumps-Rubella). Doctors
recommend that all children get the MMR shot.
Are there complications from this disease?
Unborn children of non-immune mothers can die or suffer birth defects, including: deafness, cataracts, heart
defects, mental retardation, liver damage and spleen damage (especially true if a woman is infected early in
pregnancy).
Why should my child get the MMR shot?
The MMR shot protects your child from Rubella, a potentially serious disease (and also protects against Measles
and Mumps). The shot prevents your child from spreading Rubella to a pregnant woman, whose unborn baby
could develop serious birth defects or die from the disease. The shot also prevents your child from getting a rash
and fever from the disease. An additional benefit from the shot is that it helps keep your child from missing
school or childcare (and keeps you from missing work to care for your sick child).
As an adult do I need this vaccine?
Yes, you need an MMR shot if: you are a student beyond high school, work in a medical facility or healthcare
occupation, travel internationally, are a passenger on a cruise ship, or are a woman of childbearing age. You do
not need an MMR shot if: blood tests show that you are immune to Rubella, were born before 1957, have already
received two MMR shots, or have been previously diagnosed with Rubella disease.

For more information, call 817-321-4700 or visit http://health.tarrantcounty.com
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AUGUST 2015