Other names for rubella are German measles and three-day measles. Rubella is dangerous because of its ability to harm unborn babies. Infection in a pregnant woman can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious birth defects. People get rubella by breathing in droplets that get into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Rubella can also spread by direct contact with fluids from the nose or throat of an infected person.
Rubella can be prevented by immunization. Rubella is a mild but very contagious disease that is preventable with a vaccine. Other names for rubella are German measles and three-day measles. Rubella is dangerous because of its ability to harm unborn babies. Infection of a pregnant woman can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious birth defects.