Measles and rubella are two different viral diseases. In general, rubella causes a milder infection than measles but can cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
Importantly, rubella is not the same as measles. Although the two diseases have similar symptoms, including a red rash, they are different. These are composed of single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to different families.
What is Measles?
What is Rubella?
The rubella virus also has RNA as its nucleic acid. Similarly, measles is spread by the products of inhalation, coughing and sneezing. An infected person can be infected for up to a week before showing symptoms. They remain infectious for about two weeks after symptoms appear.
German measles is almost as infectious as measles, so it is also called German measles. Rubella sometimes causes asymptomatic disease. It is not a serious illness except for those with a compromised immune system. The infection usually lasts two to three weeks.
Difference Between Measles and Rubella
| Measles | Rubella |
| It is highly contagious | It is not as contagious as measles |
| Symptoms can last up to ten days | Symptoms can last up to five days |
| Presence of the prodromal stage | Absence of the prodromal stage |
| The period of incubation is 1 to 2 weeks | The period of incubation is 2 to 3 weeks |
| It is also known as Rubeola | It is also known as German measles |
| The measles virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family | The rubella virus belongs to the Togaviridae family |
| The rashes are red and flat. White spots called Koplik’s spots might form inside the mouth. | Rashes in rubella are fine pink and less intense. Swollen lymph nodes are common. |
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