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FAQ

What is the difference between measles and rubella?

Page last updated 11 April 2022
Measles Rubella
Measles is caused by a virus that specifically infects the respiratory system Rubella is caused by a virus that invades the lymph nodes, eyes and skin
More severe and can be life threatening Generally milder, but caution needed in pregnant women
Small white spots in the mouth (called Koplik spots) within 2-3 days. Then a rash, red spots spread to the body after 3-5 days Pink rash that begins in the face and moves to the body, lasts 3-5 days

 

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).

2. Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth. Rubella (German Measles). Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/german-measles.html (accessed 08 March 2022).

7. World Health Organization. Measles factsheet. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles (accessed 08 March 2022).

8. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles (Rubeola) – Signs and symptoms. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html (accessed 08 March 2022).

MAT-AU-2200804  Date of preparation March 2022

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