What is rubella?

Rubella is an infection caused by a virus. It is sometimes called German measles, although it is not related to measles itself.

People with rubella often get a skin rash and joint pain. In most people, rubella is a mild disease, but it can have severe consequences for an unborn baby. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, her baby is at risk of severe and permanent birth defects or miscarriage/death.