The rash may last for 1 to 5 days. Adults often feel more unwell before the rash appears, and may have pains in the joints rather like arthritis. The cause is the rubella virus. The incubation period, from exposure to the appearance of the rash, is usually 14 to 21 days. This is usually made on the basis of the story and the symptoms and signs.
Laboratory tests are unlikely to be of practical value except in a pregnant woman.
The widespread testing of women during pregnancy has shown how unreliable the diagnosis can be. Many women who have been told categorically that they have had it prove to be negative on the blood test, and vice versa. Treatment Very little treatment is necessary, but it consists essentially of symptom relief eg for pain and fever . If a pregnant woman thinks she has been exposed to German Measles, she should first of all check with her midwife or her doctor on her rubella status. In that case, she need not worry.