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Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella (German measles) is a mild illness that can be prevented through immunization.
Symptoms
In children, a red rash is usually the first sign of illness. It first appears on the face, then spreads to the rest of the body and can last about three days. Other symptoms that may occur one to five days before the rash appears include a low fever, headache, mild pink eye, general discomfort, swollen glands, cough, and runny nose. Adults who get rubella may experience the same symptoms as children. Some people infected with Rubella will not experience any symptoms.
Symptoms
In children, a red rash is usually the first sign of illness. It first appears on the face, then spreads to the rest of the body and can last about three days. Other symptoms that may occur one to five days before the rash appears include a low fever, headache, mild pink eye, general discomfort, swollen glands, cough, and runny nose. Adults who get rubella may experience the same symptoms as children. Some people infected with Rubella will not experience any symptoms.
Spread
By contact with respiratory droplets formed when a child talks, coughs, or sneezes. Rubella can also be spread by touching respiratory secretions from or objects contaminated by children who carry the virus. These droplets can land on or be rubbed into the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Spread
By contact with respiratory droplets formed when a child talks, coughs, or sneezes. Rubella can also be spread by touching respiratory secretions from or objects contaminated by children who carry the virus. These droplets can land on or be rubbed into the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Contagious Period
Infected individuals are most contagious when the rash is erupting, but the contagious period can start 7 days before the rash appears to 7 days after the rash appears.
Contagious Period
Infected individuals are most contagious when the rash is erupting, but the contagious period can start 7 days before the rash appears to 7 days after the rash appears.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until 7 days after the rash appears.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until 7 days after the rash appears.
Exclude unvaccinated children and staff for 23 days after the onset of rash in the last person who developed rubella. Recommendations for exclusion should be done in collaboration with the Local Health Department.
Exclude unvaccinated children and staff for 23 days after the onset of rash in the last person who developed rubella. Recommendations for exclusion should be done in collaboration with the Local Health Department.
Causes
Causes
Rubella virus
Incubation
It takes 12 to 23 days, with an average of 17 days, from exposure until the symptoms develop.
Incubation
It takes 12 to 23 days, with an average of 17 days, from exposure until the symptoms develop.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Kentucky state law and local child care regulations require all children in child care or school settings to be immunized for rubella, measles, and mumps. Refer to the Kentucky immunization regulations for childhood vaccination schedule.
If you or your child is not protected against rubella, please call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to obtain your immunizations. Unimmunized children will be excluded from any child care setting in which a case of rubella occurs. Please notify your child care provider when you have your child immunized so his/her record can be updated.
If your child develops a rash, fever, and swollen glands behind the ears, please keep him/her at home and call your healthcare provider.
If a pregnant woman without protection against rubella contracts the disease, there could be harmful effects to her baby. If you are pregnant and you have been exposed to rubella, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Provider: This disease is reportable to the local or state health department.
Parents/guardians: Inform your child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Rubella.pdf
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