Rubella infection during early pregnancy
About the rubella vaccination
Rubella vaccination before pregnancy/after the birth
Rubella or 'German measles' (also called the '3-day measles') is a milder form of the ordinary measles virus. The rubella virus takes about 14 to 21 days (with an average of 18 days) to 'incubate', or to show any physical signs in a person after they have been in contact with someone else who has the rubella virus. It is not as infectious as other common viruses (such as chicken pox or measles), but rubella epidemics do commonly occur, especially during the seasons of late winter to spring and early summer.
Rubella is spread by the person coughing and sneezing or coming in contact with their contaminated items (such as tissues, drinking glasses or soiled hands). The person is infectious for 4 to 5 days after the rash appears. Vaccinated immunity (if successful) is believed to last for 16 years. A natural Rubella infection is usually longer, but may not be life-long.
A person with a rubella infection can experience: