Rubella also strikes adults, and outbreaks can occur among teenagers and young adults who have not been immunized. Rubella usually occurs in the winter and spring and spreads very easily. People catch it through contact with other people who are infected. It is spread through coughing, sneezing, or talking. Usually rubella causes a slight fever which lasts for about 24 hours, and a rash on the face and neck that lasts two or three days.
Most people recover quickly and completely from rubella.
However, the greatest danger from rubella is not to children or adults, but to unborn babies. These babies may be born deaf or blind. They may have damaged hearts or unusually small brains. Many are mentally retarded. Miscarriages are also common among women who get rubella while they are pregnant.