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.
