Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection that is generally mild in children and young adults but can have serious consequences, particularly in pregnant women. Here are the key aspects of rubella:

1. Symptoms: Rubella usually causes a rash and flu-like symptoms, such as low-grade fever, sore throat, fatigue, headache, and red, inflamed eyes. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, lasting about three days. Some people infected with the rubella virus have no symptoms at all.
2. Transmission: The rubella virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It's highly contagious and can spread to others up to a week before the rash appears and up to a week afterward.
3. Complications: Although rubella is usually a mild illness in children and adults, it can cause serious complications for pregnant women and their babies. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, especially during the first trimester, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS can result in severe birth defects such as heart problems, developmental delays, hearing impairment, and vision problems.
4. Prevention: The rubella vaccine, which is often given in combination with measles and mumps vaccines (MMR), is highly effective at preventing rubella. Vaccination is the best way to prevent rubella and its complications. It's particularly important for women of childbearing age to be vaccinated to prevent CRS.
5. Diagnosis and Treatment: Rubella is diagnosed based on a physical exam and laboratory tests that detect the virus or antibodies against it. There is no specific treatment for rubella; care focuses on relieving symptoms. Rest, fluids, and pain relievers may be recommended.
6. Public Health Measures: Due to effective vaccination programs, rubella is no longer common in many countries. However, it still appears in areas where vaccination rates are low. Public health measures focus on maintaining high vaccination coverage and monitoring for cases.
7. Eradication Efforts: Some regions, like the Americas, have been declared free of endemic rubella transmission due to successful vaccination campaigns. Continued global efforts aim to control and potentially eradicate rubella.