Rubella in Children: What Parents Need to Know

A case of rubella (German measles) has been confirmed in San Antonio at Legacy Traditional School. Rubella is typically mild in children, but still causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It is highly contagious. At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, we are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to evaluate children with symptoms through telemedicine or in-person visits if needed.

How Is Rubella Different from Measles?
Both rubella and measles cause a red rash, but they are different diseases with different risks. Another name for Rubella is German Measles, and another term for measles is Rubeola, so it can be easy to confuse the two illnesses. However, they are different, both in symptoms and severity.

Rubella symptoms are often mild but include:

• Low fever (99-101°F)
• Pink rash that starts on the face and spreads
• Swollen lymph nodes (behind the ears & neck)
• Sore throat and mild cough
• Joint pain (more common in teens)

Rubella spreads through coughs and sneezes and can be passed before symptoms appear. If you suspect rubella, keep your child home and call a doctor.

How to Protect Your Child: The MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) is highly effective in preventing rubella and measles.

• 1st dose at 12-15 months
• 2nd dose at 4-6 years
• 97% effective at preventing rubella & measles

What to Do If You Suspect Rubella
If your child has a rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes, contact a doctor. Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care offers:

• Telemedicine visits to evaluate your child
• Rubella PCR as needed
• Guidance on symptom relief and care

Schedule a video visit today

Rubella is preventable, and early action helps protect your child and others!

Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care opened in 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. With multiple locations in San Antonio and Dallas, we are open seven days a week with extended evening hours. We accept most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans. We provide a variety of services for children ages 0-21.