Measles and Rubella are two different viral diseases. Generally, Rubella causes milder infections than measles. But it is of concern when a pregnant woman is infected by the virus because it results in severe birth defects. It is important to note that Rubella is not the same as measles. Though both diseases share the same characteristics including the red rash, they are distinct. Given below in a tabular column is the difference between Measles and Rubella.
Measles vs Rubella
| Measles | Rubella |
| It is highly contagious | It is not as contagious as measles |
| Symptoms can last up to 10 days | Symptoms can last up to 5 days |
| Presence of the prodromal stage | Absence of the prodromal stage |
| Period of incubation is 1–2 weeks | Period of incubation is 2–3 weeks |
| Lymph nodes are not always swollen | Lymph nodes are always swollen |
| Typically a high fever of or above 40°C | Typically low fever of or below 38.3°C |
| Rashes in measles are blotches with spots | Rashes in Rubella are spots that fade fast |
Both Measles and Rubella are caused by an RNA virus and are generally spread through respiratory droplets of sick people. Although both have similar symptoms, the rashes in both the diseases are slightly different. A person can be vaccinated against both the disease with an MMR vaccine.
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