Key facts
Rubella is a contagious, generally mild viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults.
Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
Worldwide, an estimated 110 000 babies are born with CRS every year.
There is no specific treatment for rubella but the disease is preventable by vaccination.
Rubella is an acute, contagious viral infection. While the illness is generally mild in children, it has serious consequences in pregnant women causing fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
The rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when infected people sneeze or cough. Humans are the only known host.
Symptoms
In children, the disease is usually mild, with symptoms including a rash, low fever (