Read condition-specific symptoms and clinical context for Rubella virus. Usually a mild rash illness, but a serious infection during pregnancy.
Rubella is caused by a different virus from measles despite the nickname 'German measles'. CDC describes a usually mild illness, often with few noticeable symptoms, that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Its most serious documented consequence is harm to a developing baby when someone is infected during pregnancy.
CDC states that about 25% to 50% of people infected with rubella do not develop a rash or any symptoms, yet can still spread the infection.
Possible symptoms: Rash that starts on the face; Low-grade fever; Headache; Mild pink eye; Swollen and enlarged lymph nodes; Sore throat.
CDC notes there is no specific medicine that treats rubella or shortens it, and asks people with rubella to tell contacts, especially anyone who is pregnant. Rare serious problems include brain infections and bleeding problems.
CDC describes effects on a developing baby after rubella infection during pregnancy. Serious birth defects are more common when infection happens early in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
Possible symptoms: Heart problems; Loss of hearing; Loss of eyesight; Intellectual disability; Liver or spleen damage.
This describes documented outcomes reported by CDC and WHO, not a prediction for any pregnancy. Rubella infection in pregnancy can also result in miscarriage or fetal death; questions about an individual pregnancy belong with a clinician.
Source check: 2026-09-19. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.