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Condition

Pediatric Rubella

Key Points About Rubella in Children

  • Rubella is a viral illness that causes a mild fever and a skin rash. Rubella is spread through contact with fluid from the nose and throat.
  • It starts with a low fever, runny nose and diarrhea. Then a rash appears on the face, and spreads down the body.
  • A child is most contagious when the rash is appearing. But a child may be contagious from 7 days before the rash to 7 days after the rash has started. Because of this, a child may pass the virus to others before you know he or she is sick.
  • Treatment includes rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Rubella is dangerous to a baby in the womb. It can cause a pregnant woman to have a miscarriage. A baby in the womb can also get rubella from his or her mother during pregnancy. This can lead to severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome.
  • Rubella can be prevented with the rubella vaccine. It is part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Dermatology Treatment at Children's National Hospital

The pediatric specialists at Children's National Hospital have the expertise to diagnose, treat and manage conditions of the skin, nails and hair common in infant and younger patients. Discover more about the treatments we offer.

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Providers Who Treat Rubella

Departments that Treat Rubella

    Dermatology

    The Division of Dermatology at Children's National Hospital continues to expand services as more families seek our expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair and nails.