Roseola

Alternative names:

exanthem subitum

Definition:

An acute disease of infants and young children that is characterized by a fever and skin rash.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The disease is common in children 6 months to 2 years old. It has recently been found to be caused by a virus, called human herpesvirus 6. It occurs most often in the spring and fall. The incubation period is 5 to 15 days. A fever may become as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit and may persist for 3 to 5 days. Convulsions may occur when the fever is high.

Roseola typically begins with a high fever that responds well to acetaminophen. When the temperature is down the infant or child may behave as if well. Between the 2nd and 4th day the fever falls dramatically and a rash appears on the trunk and spreads to the limbs, neck, and face. The rash lasts from a few hours to a day.