Prior to immunisation, rubella was a common disease of childhood. It is caused by a virus which is spread in the air as droplets - by coughing and sneezing. When someone has been in contact with the virus it takes two to three weeks to develop. When it does, they will generally feel unwell and off-colour for the first five days, with swollen glands, and a light temperature or a sore throat. If a rash develops, it will start on the face, and spread downwards over the body and limbs, and this may cause pain and discomfort in the limbs - especially in women.
Some people have rubella, but show no symptoms at all.
Sometimes the mother will not pass the rubella onto the baby. However, if she has rubella in the early stages of her pregnancy then there is a greater chance of the virus passing through the cord to the developing baby. A child affected by rubella during pregnancy will be said to have congenital rubella. Children born with congenital rubella will have the virus circulating in their bloodstream for up to 20 months after they are born. They will normally pose no risk to others, but anyone in direct contact with children with congenital rubella is advised to be screened and immunised as necessary.