Rubella, also called German measles, and measles are two infectious diseases caused by viruses. Both are communicable from one person to another. The development of immunizations has reduced the incidence of measles and rubella significantly in the United States. The vaccine is recommended and sometimes required for entrance to school for nearly all children. Most people affected by these illnesses are younger than age 5, according to MayoClinic.com, though adults can still be stricken with symptoms of measles and rubella.
Fever
Rubella and measles can cause a fever. MayoClinic.com says that most signs and symptoms of the infection occur within 10 to 12 days after exposure. A fever with rubella is often mild but measles can cause a body temperature as high as 104 or 105 degrees F depending on the individual.
Respiratory Effects
Minor respiratory symptoms can occur with measles and rubella. A dry cough, runny nose or nasal congestion are the most likely respiratory symptoms.
Eye Irritation
Redness of the eyes, called conjunctivitis, can occur with both infections. Adults may develop a sensitivity to light with measles. Any light can trigger the sensitivity, called photosensitivity, but bright lights can be significantly bothersome.
Koplik's Spots
Koplik's spots are a characteristic symptom of measles. They do not occur with rubella. MedlinePlus describes these spots as tiny white spots with a bluish-white center. The spots appear on the inside of the cheeks.
Body Rash
The measles body rash consists of large, fat blotches that may flow into one another forming one large red patch, suggests MayoClinic.com. A rubella rash tends to being on the face before spreading quickly to the trunk and out to the extremities. It disappears in the same order. This type of rash is pink and can appear in tiny but numerous dots that eventually form close enough together that larger pink patches are visible.
Aches and Pain
Rubella is generally mild but adults may experience muscle or joint pain with the infection, suggests MedlinePlus. Adults are more likely to feel sicker than children with this type of infection.
