Rubella - Peel Public Health

Rubella, also known as German Measles, is a viral infection mainly affecting children. It is caused by the Rubella virus.

Rubella Fact Sheet
(PDF 41KB, 1 page)

What is Rubella?

Rubella, also known as German Measles, is a viral infection mainly affecting children.
However, it can be more severe in adults, especially women.
It is caused by the Rubella virus. Rubella spreads by contact with an infected person through coughing, sneezing or even talking.

Rubella is a mild illness characterized by a low grade fever, swelling of the glands in the neck and sometimes a rash with small red spots resembling measles or scarlet fever.
Some people may experience aches, pains and swelling of the joints. Half of rubella infections occur without a rash.

Those who have had rubella infection before or have been immunized against rubella (MMR) will have long standing immunity.
Anyone without prior infection or proper immunization is at risk.
If you are unsure your immune status, your physician can perform a blood test to find out.

Immunization provides the best protection against rubella.
The MMR vaccine protects against 3 diseases: measles, mumps and rubella.
The vaccine is provided free in Ontario as part of the publicly funded routine immunization schedule.
Children should receive the first dose of MMR on or after the first birthday.
The second dose is given as a combined MMR and varicella (chicken pox) vaccine at 4-6 years of age; prior to starting school.
The MMR vaccine may be administered earlier for children not receiving the varicella vaccine or if travelling to an area where measles activity is high.

Rubella may result in miscarriages or serious defects for the unborn child.
The unborn child is most at risk of developing Congenital Rubella Syndrome if a pregnant woman is infected with the virus in the first four months of pregnancy.
It is very rare for complications to result if the infection occurs after the 20th week of conception.
Congenital Rubella Syndrome Rubella Fact Sheet
(PDF 41KB, 1 page)

If you are pregnant check your immunity status with your physician.
Most women of child bearing age have immunity to rubella.
Screening pregnant women for rubella immunity is part of the initial prenatal follow up.
If you are thinking of becoming pregnant check your immune status.
If you are not immune ask your doctor to vaccinate you.
Do not consider pregnancy until 3 months after vaccination.

Check your immunization record to see if you were immunized with Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) after your first birthday.
If you are not sure of your immune status contact your family physician.
If there is no record of vaccination, immunity can be checked with a simple blood test.
Watch for signs and symptoms of rubella infection that would occur within 14-23 days after your last contact with an infected individual.

For more information please contact Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Telehealth Ontario anytime at
1-866-797-0000.