Incubation period

The time from the infection with rubella to the outbreak of rubella is on average 14-21 days.In 50% of cases, however, the disease progresses asymptomatically and does not appear at all.

Differential DiagnosisExclusion Diseases

Rubella must be distinguished from other diseases that also cause a reddish skin rash. These include measles, three-day fever (= erythema subitum) and rubella (= erythema infectiosum). In addition, a distinction must be made between these diseases and those associated with swelling of the lymph nodes.

The following diseases must be considered: Pfeiffer’s glandular fever (=infectious mononucleosis) or a cytomegalovirus infection. Rubella embryopathy must be distinguished from other, prenatal (=intrauterine) infections. Infections of the child before birth can be caused, for example, by toxoplasma, varicella/wind pox virus, listeria or the cytomegalovirus.

Treatment/therapy of rubella

A therapy of the cause, i.e. a treatment against the virus, is not possible. Since rubella is a typical viral childhood disease, it can only be treated purely symptomatically with a lot of patience. An antibiotic, however, does not fight the viruses.

An antibiotic is only used if an additional bacterial infection can be assumed. Among the symptomatic measures are e.g. fever-reducing agents, which relieve headache and aching limbs at the same time. Some children respond better to ibuprofen, others better to paracetamol.

These drugs can also be given alternately to control “re-fever”. Measures such as calf wraps can also help. The children often feel better just because of this fever reduction (antipyresis).

If the fever persists for more than three days, a pediatrician should be consulted for further clarification. A sufficient fluid intake is essential, especially for babies. If drinking is greatly reduced, an infusion system may be necessary in hospital.

In the case of rubella, however, the children are usually not severely affected and handling at home is quite possible. Adults must also exercise patience, drink a lot and, if necessary, take measures to reduce fever or pain. Children with a congenital rubella infection (acquired in the womb/during birth) must be comprehensively cared for and their development must be encouraged.