Arthritis Complicating Rubella

Thirty-seven cases of rubella over a six-month period have been studied, and a benign, transitory polyarthritis experienced by more than half of the patients has been described. This series is of unusual significance, in that In all cases discussed the diagnosis was virologically confirmed. It is stressed that: 1. Arthritis may commonly complicate rubella. 2. Despite severe symptoms, there is a paucity of clinical findings. 3. This arthritis is self-limiting and without sequelae, and must not be confused with rheumatoid arthritis, which it may closely resemble.