Rubella virus (German Measles)

RUBELLA VIRUS (RuV) is a single stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus (Togavirus) causing the mild childhood disease German measles. When caught by pregnant women it can cause severe birth defects. For this reason vaccination is recommended. Rubella virus particles are roughly spherical with facets sometimes evident. Centrally is a dark core containing the viral genome. This is wrapped in an envelope acquired during viral budding. Projecting through this envelope and anchored to the underlying core are the glycoprotein spikes (shown in red).