What is the Difference Between Measles and Rubella?

Measles and rubella are both contagious viral infections, but they are caused by different viruses and have distinct characteristics:

Measles:

• Caused by a virus that specifically infects the respiratory system.
• More severe and can be life-threatening.
• Symptoms include cold-like symptoms (runny nose, inflamed red eyes, cough, fever), followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
• Can result in serious complications, especially in those with weak immune systems.

Rubella:

• Caused by a virus that invades the lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.
• Generally milder, but caution is needed in pregnant women.
• Symptoms include a mild fever and rash in infants and children.
• Can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects in an unborn baby if a woman is infected during pregnancy.

Both diseases can be prevented with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and highly effective. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses to children at the recommended ages: 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years.

Comparative Table: Measles vs Rubella

Here is a table highlighting the differences between measles and rubella:

Both measles and rubella are viral diseases caused by single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to different families. They share some common symptoms, such as rashes, but have distinct characteristics as well. The MMR vaccine is used for the prevention of both diseases.