What are the complications of rubella?

For most people rubella is a mild illness and they recover within about three days. 

However, possible complications of rubella include: 

• lingering joint pain that may take a month or more to get better 
• up to 70% of women who get rubella may experience arthritis; this is rare in children and men 
• otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear)
• encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can be fatal in some cases. 

If an unvaccinated pregnant woman becomes infected with rubella virus, she is at risk of having a miscarriage, or her baby may die shortly after birth – particularly if she is infected early in her pregnancy. The developing baby can also develop serious birth defects such as:

• heart problems
• loss of hearing and eyesight
• intellectual disability
• liver or spleen damage.