What is rubella?
A person with rubella has a rash and swollen lymph nodes, caused by an infection with the rubella virus. Rubella can cause birth defects in a fetus if the virus infects the mother during pregnancy. Rubella is rare in the US, because childhood vaccinations prevent rubella.

What are the symptoms of rubella?
The most common symptoms of rubella include swollen lymph glands in the neck and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the trunk. The rash consists of pink, flat, circular spots. Additional symptoms may include fever, headache, eye redness, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. In adults, symptoms may also include joint pains and neck pain.

How does the doctor treat rubella?
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine effectively prevents the illness. However, there is no cure for a rubella infection. Treatment for rubella may include rest, plenty of liquids, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain and fever.