rubella (German measles)
by catherine alderstein·
exclusion period
exclude until at least 4 days after the onset of the rash
symptoms
- •mild fever
- •pink or red rash starting on the face and spreading to the body
- •swollen lymph nodes behind the ears and neck
- •joint pain (more common in adults)
- •mild cold-like symptoms
when can your child return to childcare?
the child can return at least 4 days after the rash appeared.
do siblings or contacts need to stay home?
pregnant women who have been in contact should see their GP urgently. unimmunised contacts may be excluded — check with the public health unit.
treatment notes for parents
no specific treatment. rest and fluids. rubella is a notifiable disease. the main concern is exposure during pregnancy — rubella can cause serious birth defects (congenital rubella syndrome). vaccination via MMR is the best prevention.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service.