Roseola
Explanation | Cause | Treatment | When to call the Dr.
What is roseola?
Roseola is a common, mild viral infection (virus) affecting children between 4 months and 4 years of age (most commonly 6-24 months). The symptoms of the illness may vary widely and some children may not act or appear sick at all.
Roseola usually begins with a rapidly rising high fever (103˚ F [39.5˚ C] or greater) that can persist for 3 to 7 days. During this time, children may be comfortable and happy or may be irritable, have swollen glands in the neck, runny nose, cold like symptoms, mild diarrhea or a bulging "soft spot" on the head (fontanel). The most worrisome complication of the infection is seizures (convulsions or fits), which may occur due to the high fever. These
seizures, called febrile seizures, (can be scary but are usually benign) occur in about 10 – 15% of children.
After 3 to 7 days, the temperature returns to normal and a rash appears. The rash consists of rose-colored raised dots (papules) or as a flat (macular) rash. It is mainly on the neck, stomach and back but can be on the arms and legs. The rash does not itch and can last for hours to days.
What causes roseola?
Roseola is caused by a virus (human herpes virus 6, or HHHV-6). Most children have usually been affected by this virus by the time they are 4 years of age. Infants and children are believed to catch the virus from close contact with a family member or care-giver who passes the virus but has no symptoms.
Older siblings usually don't catch roseola because they have had the illness at an earlier age.
Treatment
Call Your Child's Doctor
If your child has a seizure
If your child won't drink enough fluids
If you have any other questions
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Patient Education Program I 1029 6/91
Rev. 12/05
