Rubella

Rubella infections are usually mild, and around half of all cases do not have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include a skin rash, joint pain, headache, mild fever and a runny nose.

There can be severe consequences for the unborn foetus if the mother contracts rubella, especially in the first trimester. Congenital rubella syndrome, which can affect newborns who contract the infection while still in the womb, can cause issues like deafness, heart defects, cataracts and stunted growth.

As with measles and mumps, the best way to prevent rubella is vaccination. Protection against rubella is available as part of the Australian National Immunisation Program Schedule, and children are given a rubella-containing vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for rubella. Treatment typically involves bed rest, the use of paracetamol to reduce fever and pain, and plenty of fluids.