Rubella

风疹

Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026

Rubella is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads readily through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes ^[1]. Global burden remains substantial, with an estimated 17,865 cases reported across 78 countries in 2022 despite an available vaccine ^[1]. Vaccination is the principal preventive measure, and all six WHO regions have adopted elimination goals for rubella and congenital rubella syndrome ^[1].

Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 6

Definition

Rubella is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, also known as German measles ^[1]. It is transmitted easily from person to person through respiratory secretions ^[1].

Clinical features

In children the illness is usually mild, presenting with rash, low fever below 39°C, nausea, and mild conjunctivitis ^[1]. The rash appears in 50–80% of cases, lasts one to three days, and spreads from the face and neck downward; swollen lymph glands behind the ears and in the neck are the most characteristic sign ^[1]. Adults, especially women, may experience arthritis and joint pain lasting three to ten days ^[1].

Epidemiology

An estimated 17,865 rubella cases occurred in 78 countries during 2022 ^[1]. Reported cases declined 97% from 670,894 in 102 countries in 2000 to 17,865, reflecting expanding vaccine introduction ^[1]. As of January 2025, 179 of 194 countries had introduced rubella-containing vaccines with global coverage near 73%, and the Americas were declared free of endemic transmission in 2015 ^[1].

Transmission

The virus spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes ^[1]. After infection the virus disseminates through the body over five to seven days, with symptoms appearing two to three weeks after exposure ^[1]. The most infectious period is typically one to five days following rash onset ^[1].

Prevention

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent illness and further transmission, with a safe vaccine that helps the body combat the virus ^[1]. The WHO recommends that countries not yet using rubella vaccine adopt it through established measles immunization programs ^[1]. By January 2025, 179 of 194 countries had introduced rubella-containing vaccines, supporting global elimination efforts ^[1].

References

1 World Health Organization. Rubella [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rubella
2 Di Pietrantonj C et al. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Nov 22. PMID: 34806766. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004407.pub5. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34806766/
3 Gidengil C et al. Safety of vaccines used for routine immunization in the United States: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine. 2021 Jun 23. PMID: 34049735. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.03.079. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34049735/