Rubella infection may be subclinical or overlooked because of the nonspecificity of its most frequent manifestations. Joint involvement is most frequent in women but can occur in men and children. The most serious complication is induction of fetal anomalies in infected pregnant women. This paper reviews the proper use of live rubella virus vaccine for prophylactive immunization and the postexposure treatment with immune serum globulin for modification or suppression of symptoms.