Rubella (also called German Measles) is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Don't confuse rubella with measles, which is sometimes called rubeola. The two diseases are similar, including a red rash, but they are caused by different viruses. The infection is usually mild with fever and rash. These symptoms last 2 or 3 days. About half of the people who get rubella do not have symptoms.
Rubella is spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing.
For more information about rubella, click here.
Vaccine - MMR
The rubella vaccine is a live, weakened virus which is usually given as part of the MMR vaccine (protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella). MMR is recommended at 12-15 months (not earlier) and a second dose when the child is 4-6 years old (before kindergarten or 1st grade).
Rubella vaccination is particularly important for non-immune women who may become pregnant because of the risk for serious birth defects if they acquire the disease during pregnancy. For more information about the MMR vaccine, click here.
School Exclusion and Reportable to Public Health
A student infected with rubella will be excluded from school until 7 days past the onset of the rash.
Rubella should be reported to Ventura County Public Health.