Roseola is an infection caused by a virus. It is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever followed by a rash. This disorder usually resolves on its own with no complications. Roseola can occur year round, but it is most common in the spring and fall.

Causes

Roseola is usually caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). It can also be caused by human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). These viruses are not the same as the herpes viruses that cause cold sores or genital herpes.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for roseola include:

• Age: 3 months to 4 years; most common between 6 months and 1 year

• Contact with an infected child

Symptoms

Symptoms of roseola include the following:

• Fever

• • 103 to 105 degrees

• • Begins suddenly and is not associated with other symtoms

• • Lasts 3 days, occasionally a day or two longer

• Convulsions may occasionally occur in association with high fever

• Rash is characteristic in Roseola and develops typically on the 4th day as the fever falls

• • Appears first on chest and abdomen

• • May spread to arms, legs, neck, and face

• • Lasts for a few hours to a few days and does not itch

• Other symptoms or signs may include:

• • Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears

• • Enlarged spleen

• • Irritability

The appearance of a rash after the fever disappears is the characteristic sign of roseola.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. The symptoms and physical findings of roseola are so distinctive that no other tests are usually needed. Often, there is a history of other children with roseola in the community.

Treatment

No treatment is needed for roseola. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective. The most important treatment is to keep the fever down and maintain good hydration with fluids.

Discuss with your healthcare provider how best to bring the fever down including:

• Medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

• Lukewarm sponge baths

• Plenty of fluids

Aspirin is not recommended for children and teens with a current or recent viral infection. Therefore, do not give aspirin to your child with roseola.

Call your doctor if your child has a seizure and/or the fever persists.

Prevention

To help prevent the spread of roseola, avoid contact with an infected child when possible. The incubation period is 5 to 15 days. The virus can be spread by fecal-oral contact as well as airborne droplets. Carefully and frequently wash your hands to help prevent the spread of roseola.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 17th ed. Simon and Shuster; 1999

The National Library of Medicine

The Nemours Foundation