Rubella facts for kids
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a disease caused by the Rubella virus. It's often a mild illness, and sometimes people don't even notice they have it. This can make it hard for doctors to find.
The disease usually lasts for 1 to 5 days. Children often get better faster than adults.
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How Rubella Spreads
The rubella virus usually enters your body through your nose or throat. It spreads from person to person through tiny drops in the air when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes.
Rubella and Pregnancy
Rubella can also pass from a pregnant mother to her developing baby. This can be very dangerous for the baby, especially if the mother gets rubella early in her pregnancy. Rubella can cause serious problems for the baby, like hearing loss, heart problems, and learning difficulties.
Symptoms of Rubella
After someone gets the virus, it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for symptoms to show up. Common signs of rubella include:
- A red or pink rash on the skin.
- Swollen lymph nodes (small glands in your neck, armpits, and groin).
- A high fever.
The name German measles comes from the fact that it has a similar red rash to measles. German doctors were the first to describe this disease in detail.
Rubella Eliminated in the Americas
On April 29, 2015, it was announced that rubella had been completely stopped in North and South America. Experts said it took 15 years of hard work to achieve this. Many groups helped, including the Pan American Health Organization, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the United Nations Foundation.
Images for kids
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A rash on the stomach caused by rubella
See also
In Spanish: Rubeola para niños
