Which finding is not a typical feature of rubella?

Which finding is not a typical feature of rubella?

• A. Postauricular lymphadenopathy
• B. Low-grade fever
• C. Maculopapular rash that blanches with pressure
• D. Vesicular rash with pruritus

Answer: (C)

Rubella typically presents with a mild, non-vesicular maculopapular rash that blanches with pressure, accompanied by low-grade fever and tender lymphadenopathy behind the ears (and sometimes at the occipital area). The rash usually starts on the face and spreads downward over about a day or two, and it is generally not very itchy. The finding that is not typical of rubella is a vesicular rash with pruritus. Vesicular, intensely itchy lesions are characteristic of varicella (chickenpox), not rubella. So while a blanching maculopapular rash is expected in rubella, a vesicular, pruritic eruption is not.

Rubella typically presents with a mild, non-vesicular maculopapular rash that blanches with pressure, accompanied by low-grade fever and tender lymphadenopathy behind the ears (and sometimes at the occipital area). The rash usually starts on the face and spreads downward over about a day or two, and it is generally not very itchy.

The finding that is not typical of rubella is a vesicular rash with pruritus. Vesicular, intensely itchy lesions are characteristic of varicella (chickenpox), not rubella. So while a blanching maculopapular rash is expected in rubella, a vesicular, pruritic eruption is not.