Symptoms that do occur are usually mild and begin about 2 to 3 weeks after acquiring the virus. Symptoms include slight fever and rash. The rash is not unique and may appear on the face first as flat or slightly raised red spots. It may then spread to the body, arms and legs. Low-grade fever for a day or two, followed by joint pains may occur.
Some people have swelling and redness of the joints.
Rarely, people may have low counts of cells involved in blood clotting, called platelets. The rubella virus causes this infection. The main risks of this infection are related to brain involvement or infections in a fetus. Either of these cases may result in permanent brain damage or death. Infections in a fetus may cause multiple severe defects in the newborn.