Most shedding before, or at, onset of rash. In young children, rubella is usually a mild disease with no sequelae. Rubella may cause arthritis in older children.
Main risk is to fetus from infection in pregnancy.
Exclusion will not be fully effective in preventing further cases because most viral shedding occurs before the onset of the rash. Most children and pregnant women are immune as a result of vaccination. Experimental rubella in human volunteers. Studies of the natural history and prevention of rubella. Rubella in an immunized island population.