Rubella (German Measles)

In children, Rubella is a mild disease which starts with swelling of the glands, especially those at the base of the neck or behind the ears. A rash follows which is similar to that of measles (but without the joined-together appearance of measles). The rash starts on the face and spreads rapidly to the trunk and upper part of the arms and legs. As it fades from the face and trunk, the rash appears on the lower arms and legs. Rubella causes only mild general symptoms such as fever. In rare cases (1 in 6000), Rubella causes an infection of the brain which can be fatal.
Although Rubella is typically a mild illness, infection during the first 4 months of pregnancy may cause rubella infection in the unborn baby, resulting in congenital rubella syndrome. This may produce various effects, including mental retardation, deformities of the heart, eyes and ears, blood disorders and delayed growth. These effects may cause death or lifelong handicaps.

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