Rubella (German measles): How is it spread? Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe How is rubella German measles spread Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D. — By Jenna Fletcher on May 27, 2022Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection that causes a rash and other symptoms. It is airborne, meaning it can spread through tiny particles in a person’s sneezes and coughs. A pregnant person can also pass rubella to the developing fetus. Rubella is contagious and causes a rash that typically starts on the face and then spreads to other areas of the body. A person may also experience other symptoms, such as fever and swollen glands. While most people may develop a mild infection, it can be dangerous for a developing fetus. During pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage or congenital abnormalities. This article examines how rubella spreads, its risks, prevention, and more. Is rubella airborne Share on Pinterestagrobacter/Getty ImagesRubella spreads through the air through coughing or sneezing. A person with the virus can transmit it:1 week before a rash develops1 week after symptoms first appear According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States eliminated rubella in 2004 through vaccination. However, unvaccinated Americans can still contract the infection either while visiting countries where rubella still exists or by acquiring it from someone who has the virus and travels to the U.S. Reportedly, less than 10 Americans contract rubella any given year. Learn more about airborne diseases here. Preventing transmission According to the CDC, the rubella virus is still present in Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia. The majority of Americans contracting rubella are due to living in or visiting other countries. The most effective way to prevent rubella is by getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination. As the name suggests, it protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Doctors administer the vaccination in two doses:first dose: age 12–15 monthssecond dose: age 4–6 years, or 28 days after the first dose Adults traveling outside of the U.S. should consider getting vaccinated if they are unsure of their status, or if a lab test shows they do not have immunity to rubella. People who are considering getting pregnant should have the vaccination before conceiving if necessary. Learn more about vaccination myths and facts. Risk factors for transmission While rubella is no longer present in the U.S., it does not mean it is impossible to come into contact with someone who has the virus. A person’s risk factors for transmission include:being unvaccinatedhaving a weakened immune systemvisiting or living in countries where rubella is still present How is rubella treated According to March of Dimes, doctors do not use a specific medication to treat a typical case of rubella. A person with rubella should get plenty of rest and drink fluids often. Taking medicines that reduce fever may also help. If a pregnant person contracts rubella, a doctor may prescribe acetaminophen to reduce their symptoms. Doctors may recommend a blood transfusion or steroids for more serious cases. Is acetaminophen safe to take during pregnancy? Learn more here. When to contact a doctor A person should talk with a doctor about any international travel plans. They may recommend different vaccinations or boosters based on the destination. A person should also review their medical history with a doctor before trying to conceive. They may recommend a person receives the MMR vaccination to prevent possible congenital abnormalities associated with the infection. Finally, a person should consult a doctor if they develop an unexplained rash along with other symptoms. Though this may not be rubella, a doctor can help diagnose and determine the best course of treatment. Frequently asked questions This section answers some common questions about rubella transmission. Can rubella be transmitted during pregnancy A pregnant person can pass rubella on to their fetus. This is known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS can cause a variety of congenital abnormalities, such as deafness, intellectual disabilities, or miscarriage. Rubella is most dangerous to a person in the first trimester of pregnancy. Learn about viral rashes in babies and when to consult a doctor. How long can a person with rubella be contagious Once a person starts to develop symptoms of rubella, they can transmit the virus for about 1 week after developing the rash. About 25–50% of people may not develop any symptoms of rubella, but they can transmit it to others. People traveling to countries where rubella is still present should consider vaccination. Summary Rubella spreads through tiny particles in coughs and sneezes. A pregnant person can also pass it to the developing fetus. When this occurs, it can cause complications such as miscarriage or congenital abnormalities. Rubella is no longer present in the U.S. However, a person may still contract the virus when traveling to other countries. The best way to prevent rubella is to get the MMR vaccination. This will help protect a person from acquiring the virus, even if they come into contact with people who have rubella. Last medically reviewed on May 27, 2022Immune System / VaccinesInfectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination: What everyone should know. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.htmlPregnancy and rubella. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/pregnancy.htmlRubella. (2019).https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/rubellaRubella and pregnancy. (2021).https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/rubella-and-pregnancy.aspxRubella in the U.S. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/about/in-the-us.htmlSigns and symptoms. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/about/symptoms.htmlTransmission. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/about/transmission.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D. — By Jenna Fletcher on May 27, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about airborne diseasesMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. Airborne diseases transmit between people when droplets containing microorganisms remain suspended in the air, for example, after a person coughs…READ MOREWhy is it important to avoid rubella, or German measles?Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. Rubella, or German measles, is a viral infection that usually spreads between people in coughs. In this article, we look at the symptoms, diagnosis…READ MOREChickenpox vs. measles: What's the difference? When it comes to chickenpox vs. measles, there are differences as well as similarities. While both are viral infections, they’re caused by different…READ MOREIs shingles contagious, and how does a person contract it? Anyone who has had chicken pox can develop shingles. Here, learn how it develops, whether it is contagious, and how to prevent it.READ MORE