Rubella (German measles) is a relatively mild virus for children and adults. For pregnant women who get rubella, it can become serious. Pregnant women transmit rubella to their unborn children. The virus can affect the unborn child, causing the baby to be born with defects such as cataracts, deafness, and mental retardation. Rubella is spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms for children and adults are mild: low-grade fever, rash, weakness, headache, runny nose, and red eyes. The rubella vaccine is the best way to prevent this infection.

Information for the General Public

• Fact Sheet

Information for Public Health Departments

• Case Report Form
• Disease Plan
• Immunization Action Coalition
• Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Information for Schools/Childcare Facilities

• Utah Immunization Guidebook

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• HealthyChildren.org
• Mayo Clinic
• MedLine Plus
• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Vaccine Education Center
• Utah Immunization Program
• Vaccine Information.org