What are the symptoms of rubella?

More than half the people with a rubella infection do not have any symptoms. The other half do become ill, but usually only have mild symptoms, such as:

• mild fever
• tiredness
• nasal cold
• coughing
• mild eye infection (conjunctivitis)
• sore throat
• red rash, especially behind the ears and on the face and neck
• swollen, painful glands in the throat

In young children, the red rash is often the first symptom to appear. In older children and adults, the first symptoms are often mild fever or tiredness, while the rash appears later.

Sometimes the virus causes more serious symptoms. This could include a low platelet count, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or joint inflammation.

Is rubella dangerous during pregnancy?

Rubella can be very dangerous during pregnancy if the pregnant person has never been vaccinated against rubella (the MMR vaccine), or has not previously had rubella before pregnancy. People who contract rubella for the first time during pregnancy could have a sudden miscarriage. The virus could also cause severe birth defects, such as blindness or deafness. This is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The risk of infecting the unborn baby is highest in early pregnancy. The risks are lower if the infection happens later in pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and have been in contact with a person who recently had rubella, contact your GP.

How does rubella spread?

The rubella virus is found in the throat of an infected person. If they cough or sneeze, small droplets are released into the air. These droplets could also be transferred during kissing or talking loudly. If you inhale these droplets, you could be infected. The virus can also be transmitted via hand contact, doorknobs or toys.

If you are infected, you will become ill after 12 to 23 days. On average, it usually takes 14 to 16 days. A patient with rubella is already contagious 10 days before the red rash becomes visible, and remains contagious until 7 days after the rash appears. A person who has already had rubella before cannot be infected again.

How can I prevent rubella?

You can prevent rubella with a vaccination. Since 1987, all children in the Netherlands can be vaccinated against rubella through the National Immunisation Programme. At the age of 14 months and again at 3 years, children are invited to get the MMR vaccine, which protects against mumps, measles and rubella.

If you are trying to get pregnant and are not yet protected against rubella, you can also be vaccinated. In that case, you need to have the vaccination at least one month before you are pregnant. You can also ask the GP to test if you are already protected against rubella. This may be advisable if you work in healthcare or work with young children, since people in those professions are more likely to encounter a person who has rubella.

Good hygiene helps prevent the disease from spreading.  Always cough and sneeze into a paper tissue. Then throw it away and wash your hands immediately after.

Is there any treatment for rubella?

There is no medication against rubella. The disease goes away on its own. Call the GP if you suspect that you have rubella.

How common is rubella in the Netherlands?

Since the introduction of a vaccination against rubella, the disease has now almost completely disappeared in the Netherlands. There are usually fewer than five infections a year. Sometimes there are still outbreaks among people who are not vaccinated. The last time that happened here was in 2013, when a total of 57 people became ill.

Can a person with rubella go to childcare, school or work?

Rubella is already contagious before you start showing symptoms. As a result, staying home once you have symptoms does not usually help protect others. If you have rubella but feel fine, you can go to work as usual. If you work in healthcare or work with young children, then check with the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD), the company doctor or your employer before going to work.

Children with rubella who feel fine can also go to childcare or school as usual. Do tell the childcare worker or teacher that your child has rubella. The childcare facility or school can notify other parents and take additional measures as needed.