Why Is It Called German Measles

Rubella was distinguished from a more serious infectious disease, measles, or rubeola, in the early 19th century. It came to be called German measles in the latter part of the 19th century when the disease was closely studied by German physicians.

What is the difference between German measles and measles?

They are two different viral diseases. Measles, which has been spreading in the United States in recent months, is rubeola. German measles is rubella. Rubella causes a milder illness than measles, but it is of particular concern because if a pregnant woman becomes infected, the virus can cause severe birth defects.

Is rubella and German measles the same thing?

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It is also called German measles, but it is caused by a different virus than measles.