Rubella in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Rubella is a contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash, mild fever, and joint pain. For most healthy children and adults in Grand Rapids, rubella is usually a mild illness. However, infection during pregnancy can be devastating for an unborn baby, causing severe birth defects or pregnancy loss.

In the United States, including Michigan, rubella has been eliminated thanks to widespread vaccination. “Eliminated” means there is no ongoing community transmission, but the virus can still be brought in by travelers and cause outbreaks, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

In Grand Rapids, protecting yourself and your family from rubella is especially important if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or work around children in schools, daycare centers, or healthcare settings.

What Is Rubella (German Measles)?

Rubella (sometimes called “German measles”) is a different virus from measles, even though both cause a red rash and are preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

Rubella is uncommon in the U.S. because of strong immunization programs, but cases still occur:

  • When unvaccinated people travel to or from countries where rubella vaccination is not routine
  • In pockets of lower vaccination coverage
  • In close-contact settings like schools, childcare, and healthcare facilities

In West Michigan, occasional cases are typically linked to travel. Local healthcare systems in Grand Rapids—such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health—follow CDC and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) guidelines for identifying and managing suspected rubella cases.

How Rubella Spreads

Rubella spreads through:

  • Respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks
  • Direct contact with nasal or throat secretions
  • Contact with surfaces contaminated with infected droplets, then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes

People with rubella are contagious:

  • For about 7 days before the rash appears
  • And for at least 4 days after the rash starts

Infants born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can shed the virus in their nose, throat, and urine for months or even years, which makes careful infection control essential in hospitals, clinics, and childcare settings in Grand Rapids.

Symptoms of Rubella

About half of all rubella infections are so mild that people do not notice any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear 14–21 days after exposure.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Mild fever
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore, red eyes (mild conjunctivitis)
  • Swollen lymph nodes (especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck)
  • Fine, pink or red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the trunk and limbs
  • Joint pain or swelling (more common in adults, especially women)

Most people start to feel better within about 3 days. Compared to measles, rubella is usually milder, but it can still cause serious complications, especially in pregnancy.

Complications of Rubella

While most healthy children and adults in Grand Rapids recover fully, complications can occur:

In children and adults:

  • Arthralgia – joint pain that can last a month or more
  • Arthritis – more common in adult women
  • Otitis media – middle ear infection
  • Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain (rare but can be life-threatening)

In pregnancy (Congenital Rubella Syndrome – CRS):

If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, especially in the first trimester, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing baby. This is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) and can cause:

  • Miscarriage or stillbirth
  • Deafness
  • Blindness or cataracts
  • Heart defects
  • Intellectual disability
  • Growth restriction
  • Liver, lung, or brain inflammation

The risk is highest early in pregnancy:

  • About 9 out of 10 unborn babies exposed in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy will have a major congenital abnormality.

Because of these severe risks, rubella immunity is a routine part of prenatal care in Grand Rapids obstetrics practices and birthing centers at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and other local hospitals.

Who Is at Higher Risk in Grand Rapids?

Anyone who is not immune (not vaccinated and never infected) can get rubella. Higher-risk groups include:

  • Pregnant women who are not immune
  • Unvaccinated children and adults
  • Travelers to, or visitors from, countries where rubella vaccination is not widespread
  • Childcare workers and preschool staff
  • Teachers and school staff
  • Healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities

In a community like Grand Rapids—with busy schools, universities, healthcare systems, and international travel—keeping vaccination rates high is essential to protect vulnerable people, especially pregnant women and newborns.

Rubella and Pregnancy: Special Considerations

If You Are Planning Pregnancy in Grand Rapids

Before becoming pregnant:

  1. Ask your doctor for a blood test to check your immunity to rubella (this is common in preconception and prenatal care).
  2. If you are not immune, you should:
    • Receive two doses of MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart
    • Avoid becoming pregnant for at least 28 days after each dose

This testing and vaccination can be arranged through your:

  • Primary care provider or OB/GYN
  • Local health systems (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health immunization clinics

If You Are Already Pregnant

  • Do NOT receive the MMR or MMRV vaccine during pregnancy.
  • If testing shows you are not immune:
    • Avoid close contact with anyone who might have rubella
    • Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think you have been exposed or develop a rash, fever, or joint pain

After delivery:

  • Get vaccinated as soon as your provider recommends (usually before you leave the hospital or at your postpartum visit).
  • Avoid becoming pregnant again for at least 28 days after vaccination.

Pregnant women in Grand Rapids should discuss rubella immunity with their OB/GYN or midwife early in pregnancy. Local hospitals and clinics follow CDC and MDHHS guidance to manage possible exposures.

Diagnosis of Rubella

Rubella can be difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone, because many other illnesses can cause a similar rash and mild fever.

Your healthcare provider in Grand Rapids may:

  • Take a medical history, including:
    • Vaccination status
    • Recent travel or contact with travelers
    • Contact with pregnant women or young children
  • Perform a physical examination
  • Order blood tests (to look for rubella antibodies)
  • In some cases, collect a throat swab or other specimens for testing

If rubella is suspected, your provider may notify the Kent County Health Department to help with public health follow-up and to prevent further spread.

Treatment for Rubella

There is no specific antiviral treatment for rubella. Because it is a viral infection, antibiotics do not work unless there is a bacterial complication (such as an ear infection).

For most people, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:

  • Rest
  • Plenty of fluids
  • Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve pain (use only as directed; ask a pediatrician before giving any medicine to children)
  • Cool compresses or light clothing if feverish

To protect others:

  • Stay home and isolate yourself for at least 4 days after the rash appears.
  • Avoid school, daycare, work, and public gatherings during this time.

If you are pregnant and think you have rubella or have been exposed:

  • Contact your OB/GYN or midwife immediately.
  • Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. You may need urgent evaluation and specialized counseling.

Prevention: Immunization Against Rubella in Grand Rapids

Why Vaccination Matters

Immunization is the best and safest way to prevent rubella and protect unborn babies from congenital rubella syndrome.

A single rubella infection usually gives lifelong immunity, but relying on natural infection is risky—especially for pregnant women. Vaccination builds community (herd) immunity, making it harder for rubella to spread in Grand Rapids schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Although uncommon, it is still possible to get rubella even after vaccination or previous infection, but cases are usually milder and much less likely.

Rubella Vaccines: MMR and MMRV

There are two main vaccine combinations that protect against rubella:

  • MMR vaccine – measles, mumps, and rubella
  • MMRV vaccine – measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox)

Key points:

  • For children under 14 years, MMR or MMRV may be used at specific ages.
  • MMRV is not recommended for people aged 14 years and older.
    • From age 14 and up, people should receive MMR and a separate chickenpox (varicella) vaccine if needed.

Typical U.S. / Michigan Schedule (check with your provider)

Most children in Grand Rapids follow the standard CDC and MDHHS immunization schedule:

  • First dose of MMR: at 12–15 months of age
  • Second dose of MMR or MMRV: at 4–6 years of age

Catch-up vaccination is recommended for:

  • Children and teens who missed one or both doses
  • Adults born in 1957 or later who have:
    • No documented evidence of two MMR doses, and
    • No blood test showing immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella

Women planning pregnancy who are not immune should receive two doses of MMR at least 28 days apart.

In Grand Rapids, vaccines are available through:

  • Pediatricians and family medicine practices
  • OB/GYN offices (for postpartum vaccination)
  • Hospital-based clinics (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health immunization clinics

Many children qualify for free or low-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Adults may have coverage through private insurance, Medicaid, or other programs.

Always follow the specific guidance from your healthcare provider or local public health department, as recommendations can change.

Who Should NOT Receive the MMR/MMRV Vaccine?

Vaccination against rubella (MMR or MMRV) is not recommended for some people, including:

  • Pregnant women
  • People with a severely weakened immune system, such as those:
    • With advanced HIV/AIDS
    • Receiving high-dose corticosteroids
    • Undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
    • With certain cancers (e.g., some leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma)
    • With severe immune deficiencies (e.g., hypogammaglobulinemia)

If you have a chronic health condition, take immune-suppressing medications, or are unsure whether vaccination is safe for you, talk with your doctor or specialist at one of the Grand Rapids health systems.

Rubella, Seasons, and Grand Rapids Living

Grand Rapids and West Michigan experience:

  • Cold, long winters with people spending more time indoors
  • Crowded indoor environments (schools, churches, sporting events, malls)
  • Seasonal respiratory illnesses like colds and flu

These conditions make it easier for respiratory viruses to spread. While rubella is currently rare in Michigan, maintaining high vaccination rates helps prevent outbreaks during the indoor winter season when infections can spread quickly.

Protecting Children and Those Who Work With Them

If you work with children in Grand Rapids—such as in daycare, preschool, K–12 schools, healthcare, or youth programs—you may be at higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

To protect yourself, the children in your care, and pregnant women in their families:

  • Make sure you have two documented doses of MMR or a blood test showing immunity.
  • Follow your employer’s vaccination and infection prevention policies.

Some infections that are mild in adults can be very serious in infants and young children. For example, whooping cough (pertussis) can be deadly for young babies. Keeping all recommended vaccines up to date is a critical part of community health in Grand Rapids.

When to Seek Medical Help in Grand Rapids

Seek medical advice if:

  • You or your child develop a rash with fever, especially if you are not fully vaccinated.
  • You are pregnant (or could be pregnant) and:
    • Have a rash or fever, or
    • Think you have been exposed to rubella.

Contact:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
  • Your OB/GYN or midwife (if pregnant)
  • An urgent care clinic associated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health

In an emergency—such as difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures, or a rapidly worsening condition—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For local public health guidance or vaccine information, you can also reach out to:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health or your local city/county health office

Key Points About Rubella in Grand Rapids

  • Rubella is a viral illness that causes a skin rash, mild fever, and joint pain.
  • It is usually mild in healthy children and adults but can cause severe and permanent birth defects or death if a pregnant woman becomes infected.
  • Rubella has been eliminated in the United States, but cases can still occur, especially from international travel or in under-vaccinated communities.
  • About half of rubella cases have no symptoms, so people can spread the virus without knowing they are infected.
  • Immunization with the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent rubella and protect pregnant women and their babies in Grand Rapids.
  • If you are planning pregnancy or already pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your rubella immunity and what steps you may need to take.