Explanation

German measles, also called rubella, is an infection. It is very contagious - this means you can catch it very easily. It is called German measles because it was first discovered by German doctors about 250 years ago!

In the past, lots of kids used to get German measles, but since the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine was created, it has become much less likely that you will get it. You have this vaccine when you are very young and it gives you immunisation against the infection.