Page last updated
11 April 2022
For most people rubella is a mild illness and they recover within about three days.
FAQ
What are the complications of rubella?
However, possible complications of rubella include:
- Arthralgia (lingering joint pain that may take a month or more to get better)
- Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can be fatal in some cases
- Arthritis (up to 70% of women who get rubella may experience arthritis; this is rare in children and men)
If an unvaccinated pregnant woman becomes infected with rubella virus, she is at risk of having a miscarriage, or her baby may die shortly after birth – particularly if she is infected early in her pregnancy. The developing baby can also develop serious birth defects such as:
- Heart problems
- Loss of hearing and eyesight
- Intellectual disability
- Liver or spleen damage.
Sources & Citations
1. Victoria State Government. Better Health Channel. Rubella. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/rubella (accessed 08 March 2022).
6. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubella complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/about/complications.html (accessed 08 March 2022).
MAT-AU-2200804 Date of preparation March 2022
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