Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is a condition that occurs in a developing baby in the womb whose mother is infected with the rubella virus. Pregnant women who contract rubella are at risk for miscarriage or stillbirth, and their developing babies are at risk for severe birth defects with devastating, lifelong consequences. Acquiring rubella (German measles) during pregnancy can cause miscarriage and other major problems, so women are encouraged to stay up to date on MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations as a way to decrease the risks. However, the primary symptom of rubella virus infection is the appearance of a rash (exanthem) on the face which spreads to the trunk and limbs and usually fades after three days (that is why it is often referred to as three-day measles).
Avoid becoming pregnant for at least months after receiving a rubella virus vaccine.
The booster shots are then given between and years of age. A measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should then be given before the child starts elementary school. How does rubella spread? The disease is most contagious when the infected person has a rash.
People without symptoms can still spread rubella.