Summary

• Postnatal rubella is a mild systemic viral illness and is frequently asymptomatic.
• Symptomatic postnatal infections feature mild fever, a generalised erythematous maculopapular rash, lymphadenopathy, conjunctivitis, and/or arthralgias or arthritis.
• Treatment of symptomatic infection is largely supportive, as the illness is self-limiting.
• Maternal infection during pregnancy may cause spontaneous abortion, fetal death, or multiple congenital anomalies (congenital rubella syndrome). Specialty consultation is strongly recommended for pregnant women with exposure to rubella.
• Rubella immunisation programmes have eliminated endemic spread of the virus in the UK and US.