A virus causes rubella. Rubella spreads through contact with an infected person’s breathing fluids, for example, if they cough or sneeze nearby. Rubella can also spread through direct contact with an infected person. In pregnant people, rubella can travel in their blood and infect their developing babies. Babies who become infected during pregnancy can spread rubella after they are born. This is through their breathing fluids and urine. It can happen for months or potentially more than a year. If you have rubella, it is important to stay home from childcare, school or work to stop you spreading the infection to others. Rubella stops being contagious when you are completely well, or 4 days after you first see the rash — whichever is first. Ask your doctor if you are unsure when it is safe for you or your child to return to work or school. Rubella is a notifiable disease. This means that a doctor who diagnoses rubella needs to report it to the local health authorities. It is important for local health authorities to know about cases of rubella in the community. This is so they can take steps to control an outbreak and protect people who may be at risk.