Measles vs. Rubella — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease causing high fever and rash, contrasts with Rubella (German measles), a milder but significant risk for pregnant women due to its teratogenic effects.
Difference Between Measles and Rubella
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Measles, known for its severe symptoms including a high fever, cough, and characteristic rash that spreads over the body, is one of the most contagious diseases. Whereas Rubella, though less severe, poses a significant risk to pregnant women as it can cause congenital rubella syndrome, leading to serious birth defects.
Measles outbreaks can affect individuals of any age, leading to large outbreaks especially in populations without high vaccination coverage. On the other hand, Rubella generally affects younger children and is typically milder, with fewer cases escalating to severe complications.
The Measles virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact with an infected person, leading to high infectivity rates. Conversely, Rubella is also spread through airborne routes but is generally considered less contagious compared to Measles.
Vaccination strategies for Measles include the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing the disease and its spread. Whereas, Rubella is also prevented through the MMR vaccine, emphasizing the importance of immunization in preventing these viral diseases.
Measles complications can be severe, leading to pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. In contrast, Rubella's complications are typically less severe but critical when infection occurs during pregnancy, affecting the fetus.
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Comparison Chart
Contagiousness
Extremely high
Less contagious than Measles
Severity
High fever, cough, rash, severe outcomes
Milder symptoms, severe for fetuses
Age of Impact
All ages
Primarily young children
Transmission
Respiratory droplets, direct contact
Airborne droplets
Vaccination
Part of MMR vaccine
Also included in MMR vaccine
Compare with Definitions
Measles
A viral disease causing fever and a red rash.
After contracting measles, he experienced a high fever and widespread rash.
Rubella
Spread by airborne droplets.
She contracted rubella from airborne droplets at the clinic.
Measles
Can lead to severe complications.
Severe cases of measles can result in pneumonia or encephalitis.
Rubella
Can cause congenital rubella syndrome when affecting pregnant women.
Congenital rubella syndrome can lead to serious birth defects.
Measles
Affects individuals regardless of age.
Measles can be serious both for children and for adults.
Rubella
Characterized by a fine pink rash.
The first sign of rubella is usually a fine rash that starts on the face.
Measles
Preventable by the MMR vaccine.
She received the MMR vaccine to protect against measles.
Rubella
Also known as German measles, a viral infection.
Rubella is generally milder than measles but dangerous during pregnancy.
Measles
Highly contagious, spread through respiratory droplets.
Measles spread quickly among unvaccinated children at the school.
Rubella
Prevented by the MMR vaccine.
Vaccination with MMR protects against rubella.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by measles virus. Symptoms usually develop 10–12 days after exposure to an infected person and last 7–10 days.
Rubella
Rubella, also known as German measles or three-day measles, is an infection caused by the rubella virus. This disease is often mild with half of people not realizing that they are infected.
Measles
An acute, contagious viral disease, usually occurring in childhood and characterized by eruption of red spots on the skin, fever, and catarrhal symptoms. Also called rubeola.
Rubella
A mild contagious eruptive disease caused by a virus and capable of producing congenital defects in infants born to mothers infected during the first three months of pregnancy. Also called German measles.
Measles
Black measles.
Rubella
(pathology) A mild disease caused by the Rubella virus infecting the respiratory tract, and characterised by a rash of pink dots, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Measles
Any of several other diseases, especially German measles, that cause similar but milder symptoms.
Rubella
An acute but mild viral infection characterized by a dusky red cutaneous eruption resembling that of measles, but attended by only mild respiratory problems or fever; - called also German measles. The infective virus is called Rubella virus, or Rubivirus. If contracted by a woman during the first several months of pregnancy, rubella may cause serious abnormalities in the fetus.
Measles
A condition of pork or beef caused by the presence of tapeworm larvae.
Rubella
A contagious viral disease that is a milder form of measles lasting three or four days; can be damaging to a fetus during the first trimester
Measles
A plant disease, usually caused by fungi, that produces small spots on leaves, stems, or fruit.
Measles
(medicine) An acute and highly contagious disease which often afflicts children caused by the virus Measles morbillivirus and causing red rashes, fever, runny nose, coughing, and red eyes.
Measles
Any disease causing red rashes.
Measles
(obsolete) Used as an intensifier.
Measles
(veterinary medicine) cysticercosis: A disease of livestock or meat caused by the presence of tapeworm larvae.
Measles
Any disease causing a tree's bark to become rough and irregular.
Measles
(medicine) measle: a red spot forming part of a rash, (now) particularly those caused by M. morbillivirus.
Measles
(figuratively) measle: any similar-looking red spot, particularly (printing) foxing.
Measles
(veterinary medicine) measle: the individual cysts of cysticercosis.
Measles
Plural of measle: the individual blisters in the surface of a diseased tree's bark.
Measles
A discreet assassination made to look like death from any natural cause.
Measles
(obsolete) measle
Measles
(obsolete) mesels: Leprosy.
Measles
Leprosy; also, a leper.
Measles
A contagious viral febrile disorder commencing with catarrhal symptoms, and marked by the appearance on the third day of an eruption of distinct red circular spots, which coalesce in a crescentic form, are slightly raised above the surface, and after the fourth day of the eruption gradually decline; rubeola. It is a common childhood disease.
Measles commences with the ordinary symptoms of fever.
Measles
A disease of cattle and swine in which the flesh is filled with the embryos of different varieties of the tapeworm.
Measles
A disease of trees.
Measles
The larvæ of any tapeworm (Tænia) in the cysticerus stage, when contained in meat. Called also bladder worms.
Measles
An acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash; occurs primarily in children
Common Curiosities
How are measles and rubella transmitted?
Both are transmitted through the air by infected droplets; however, measles is more contagious.
What is Rubella?
Rubella, or German measles, is a milder viral infection that is particularly dangerous to unborn babies if mothers are infected during pregnancy.
Can measles and rubella be prevented?
Yes, both can be effectively prevented with the MMR vaccine.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.
What are common symptoms of measles?
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a spreading skin rash.
How long is the incubation period for measles?
The incubation period for measles is typically 10-12 days before symptoms appear.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease known for causing high fever and a characteristic rash.
What complications can arise from rubella?
The major concern is congenital rubella syndrome, causing developmental problems in babies.
What are common symptoms of rubella?
Rubella symptoms are generally milder, including a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash.
How long is the incubation period for rubella?
Rubella’s incubation period is usually 14-21 days.
What are the risks associated with measles and rubella?
Measles can cause severe health complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, whereas Rubella is particularly dangerous for the fetuses of infected pregnant women.
Who should be vaccinated against these diseases?
Everyone without a medical contraindication should receive the MMR vaccine to protect against both diseases.
Can adults get measles or rubella?
Yes, adults can contract both diseases, especially if unvaccinated.
Is there a cure for measles or rubella?
There is no specific cure, but symptoms can be managed; prevention through vaccination is key.
What complications can arise from measles?
Complications can include severe respiratory infections, neurological conditions, and death.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
