Rubella is described as a spotty rash, usually starting on the face or behind the ears, and spreading to the neck and body. There may also be swollen glands behind the ear. Sometimes there are cold, fever or aches and pains.28

Encephalitis is possible but rare (1 in 5,000 to 6,000 cases). The main concern is infection in a pregnant woman with no immunity to the virus as rubella can increase the risk of miscarriage, or, in 85% of cases, birth defects. These include deafness, cataracts, heart defects, mental disorders, bone alterations, liver and spleen damage.28,42