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The Disease When
children get rubella, it is usually a mild disease, with a slight fever
that lasts for about 24 hours, and a rash on the face and neck that lasts
two or three days. Rubella
is also called German measles or 3-day measles. It is caused by the rubella
virus, and usually strikes in the winter and spring. It is spread through
close contact such as coughing, sneezing, or talking. Most children recover
quickly and completely. Rubella
also strikes adults, and outbreaks can occur among teenagers and adults
who have not been immunized. Adults who get rubella may get swollen glands
in the back of the neck and pain, swelling, or stiffness in their joints
(arthritis). But
the greatest danger from rubella is not to children or adults, but to
unborn babies. If a woman gets rubella in the early months of her pregnancy,
there is an 80% chance that her baby will be born with birth defects.
This is called Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). Babies with CRS may
be born deaf or blind. They may have damaged hearts or small brains. Many
are mentally retarded. Miscarriages are also common among women who get
rubella while they are pregnant. It takes about 12-23 days from the time of exposure for people to start showing signs of the disease. Rubella is most contagious while the rash is visible, but it can be spread from about a week before the rash starts until about a week after. U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES |