Rubella

Rubella is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. It is marked by a distinct, red-pink skin rash that mainly affects the face, neck and arms. Symptoms of rubella include fever, aching joints, swollen lymph nodes and a cough. If a pregnant woman is infected with rubella, the virus can cause severe birth defects in the unborn baby. Vaccination is recommended to prevent rubella. Vaccines offer effective protection against rubella and its complications, including rubella-associated birth defects. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rubella and its serious consequences.