Rubella is a very contagious childhood rash illness caused by a virus. Most cases of rubella are mild and are characterized by fever, rash, and swollen glands.
Rubella is very dangerous in pregnant women because it can harm the fetus.
Rubella is spread from person to person as airborne droplets or through direct contact with mucous or saliva of infected individuals, as well. Rubella is most common among children, but people who are not immune can get the disease at any age. Rubella has mild symptoms that may include a rash, fever, joint aches, headache, runny nose, and reddened eyes. The lymph nodes just behind the ears may swell. The rash, which may be itchy, begins on the face and then spreads to the entire body.