Rubella (German measles)

German measles is a viral disease, like measles, but it isn't as serious or as contagious.

The initial symptoms resemble a mild cold with a runny nose, a sore throat, and a temperature of 38°C (l00.4°F). The rash usually appears a couple of days after your child starts to feel unwell. The spots, which start behind the ears and on the forehead before moving down on to the body, are pale and flat and are not as close together as those in measles. They only last for two to three days. The glands on the back of your child's neck will almost definitely be swollen and they may stay like this after the rash has gone. The symptoms usually last about ten days.

At around the age of 13 months your child can be immunized against rubella, when he has his MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunization.

What to do

Get an accurate diagnosis so you can notify any pregnant woman with whom your child has been in contact; it's also important in relation to possible immunization at puberty. The infection is so mild that there is nothing you can do, other than keep your child comfortable and give him plenty to drink. Keep him at home until the rash has been gone for a few days.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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