Symptoms of Rubella (also called German Measles) differ between children and adults. Approximately 50% of those who contract Rubella will not have symptoms. Early onset symptoms of Rubella in children may include a mild fever, chills, and swelling of the lymph nodes, especially in the throat and behind the ears. Usually, the symptoms of Rubella are not noticed in children until the onset of the rash typical of Rubella.
The rash is very simple, including small, flat, red splotches that typically start on the face and then move down the trunk of the body. Usually, once the rash moves down onto the abdomen and back, it will disappear from the face. The rash may then merge and form reddish or pink patches, and will usually itch. After the rash heals, it may shed in very fine flakes. Rubella in adults has the same symptoms as in children, but may include mild conjunctivitis, or swelling and itching of the eyelids and skin around the eyes, fatigue, fever and muscle aches. Young women with Rubella may also experience swelling and tenderness of the joints. These symptoms can occur about 5-7 days before the onset of the rash. The rash is similar in children and adults.
Rubella itself isn't usually a fatal infection. The real risk lies with congenital rubella, which is a form of the infection transmitted from pregnant women to their children. Diagnoses of congenital rubella have decreased since the development of the vaccine, but it is estimated that up to 10% of young adults are still susceptible to Rubella and that may increase the risk of transmission from mother to fetus. In cases of congenital rubella, the effects on the fetus can be very severe, including stunted growth, mental retardation, liver and spleen problems, and malformations of the heart and eyes.