Rubella: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Rubella?
A primary care doctor or a pediatrician, a doctor for children, usually handles rubella. A woman who is pregnant should call an obstetrician, a doctor who cares for pregnancy, right away. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is rubella?
Rubella is an infection caused by a virus. It is also called German measles or three day measles. It is usually mild, with a fever and a rash. About half of the people who get rubella do not have symptoms.
Rubella is most dangerous for a pregnant woman's baby. It can cause a miscarriage or birth defects.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms at all. Children generally have few symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- A spotty rash that starts on the face or behind the ears and spreads to the neck and body.
- A mild fever.
- Swollen glands, which feel like lumps in the neck or behind the ears.
- Aching fingers, wrists, or knees, especially in adults.
- A headache, a sore throat, or a runny nose.
- Sore, red eyes.
The rash shows up 2 to 3 weeks after a person catches rubella. It usually lasts for a few days. The rash looks red or pink on white skin. It can be harder to see on brown or black skin, but it might feel rough or bumpy. Some people with rubella do not get a rash at all.
Causes and who gets it
Rubella is caused by a virus that spreads through the air or by close contact. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People without symptoms can still spread it. A person can spread rubella from 1 week before the symptoms start until at least 5 days after the rash first appears.
Most children get the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, called the MMR vaccine. Because of this, rubella is much less common now. In some adults, the vaccine may wear off. After an infection, people are protected from rubella for the rest of their lives.
If a pregnant woman has rubella, she can pass it to the baby in her womb. This is called congenital rubella. The risk is highest when a woman gets rubella early in pregnancy. Rubella can cause problems with the baby's sight, hearing, heart, or brain after birth.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor may send a nasal or throat swab to a lab. A blood test can also show whether a person is protected against rubella. All women who may become pregnant should have this blood test. If the test is negative, they will get the vaccine.
Treatment
There is no treatment for rubella. It usually gets better in about a week. Care at home focuses on comfort. Doctors suggest getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids. Acetaminophen can help lower a fever. Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
A person with rubella should stay off school or work for at least 5 days after the rash appears. They should try to avoid close contact with anyone who is pregnant.
The MMR vaccine can prevent rubella. It is routinely given when children are 12 to 15 months old. A second shot is routinely given at ages 4 to 6. Women who are pregnant should not get the vaccine. People whose immune system is weakened by cancer, steroid medicines, or radiation treatment should not get it either. Women who get the vaccine should avoid getting pregnant for 28 days afterward.
Birth defects caused by congenital rubella can be treated.
When to see a doctor
Call a doctor if you or your child have symptoms of rubella. Call before you go in, because rubella can spread to others.
A woman who is pregnant should call her doctor, midwife, or maternity unit right away if she has a new rash. She should also call right away if she has been in close contact with someone who has rubella.
Call your doctor if you or your child get a severe headache, a stiff neck, an earache, or vision problems during or after rubella. Women who may become pregnant should also call if they are unsure whether they were vaccinated.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can check whether your vaccines are up to date and can order a blood test to see if you are protected from rubella. They can also help you decide when to stay home and when to call a specialist.
Common questions
Is rubella dangerous?
Rubella is usually mild, but it can be very dangerous for an unborn baby. It can cause a miscarriage or birth defects.
Can rubella be cured?
There is no treatment for rubella, but most people get better on their own. It usually gets better in about a week. The MMR vaccine can prevent it.
How do you catch rubella?
You catch rubella when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People without symptoms can still spread it.
Can you get rubella twice?
It is very unlikely. After an infection, people are protected from rubella for the rest of their lives.
Can rubella be prevented?
Yes, the MMR vaccine can prevent rubella. It is routinely given at 12 to 15 months old, with a second shot at ages 4 to 6.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
