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Rubella - Symptoms and complications
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Rubella does not have a generally accepted classification. It is customary to distinguish acquired and congenital rubella. Acquired rubella is divided into typical, atypical (without rash) and subclinical (inapparent). Congenital rubella is classified depending on the predominant lesion (CNS, cardiovascular system, hearing organ, vision organ). Typical forms of the disease have characteristic symptoms of rubella, are characterized by a certain cyclicity of the infection with a change of periods: incubation, prodromal, rash (exanthema) and convalescence.
The incubation period of rubella lasts from 10 to 25 days, on average - 16-20 days. The prodromal (or catarrhal) period is 1-3 days. The rash period is 2-4 days. The recovery period is usually smooth, without complications.
[ Complications of rubella
Complications are rare. Benign polyarthritis with damage to small and medium joints, thrombocytopenic purpura are possible. The most severe complication is encephalitis (meningoencephalitis, encephalomyelitis), which often develops in adults. Encephalitis can be combined with thrombocytopenic purpura. Rubella symptoms can increase, which indicates encephalitis. Body temperature suddenly rises, generalized seizures appear, disorders of consciousness up to the development of coma. Meningeal symptoms, delirious syndrome, paresis of cranial nerves, limbs, hyperkinesis, cerebellar, diencephalic and boulevard symptoms, disorders of pelvic organs are possible. Increased protein and glucose levels with normal lactate content are detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, and some patients have double-digit mixed or lymphocytic pleocytosis. Fatal outcome is possible.
Mortality
Rubella is benign. The only cause of death can be encephalitis.