Rubella arthritis

**Definition:** A disease of the joints, caused by an infection with the rubella virus. This disease is characterised by inflammation of the joints leading to arthralgia or difficulties moving the joints. Transmission is by inhalation of infected respiratory secretions, or direct contact. Confirmation is by identification of rubella virus (in nasal or throat swab samples, blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid), or detection of rubella virus specific IgM antibodies.