Roseola Infantum
Roseola infantum is a contagious viral infection of infants or very young children that causes a high fever followed by a rash.
Roseola infantum occurs most often in the spring and fall, sometimes in local outbreaks. The usual cause is herpesvirus 6, one of the many herpesviruses. Most children who develop roseola infantum are between 6 months and 3 years old.
Symptoms begin about 5 to 15 days after infection. A fever of 103 to 105° F begins abruptly and lasts for 3 to 5 days. In 5 to 15% of children, seizures occur as a result of high fever, particularly as the fever begins and rises quickly. Despite the high fever, the child is usually alert and active. A few children have a mild runny nose, sore throat, or an upset stomach. The lymph nodes at the back of the head, the sides of the neck, and behind the ears may be enlarged. The fever usually disappears on the fourth day.
About 30% of children develop a rash within a few hours to at most a day after the temperature falls. The rash is red and flat, but it may have raised areas, mostly on the chest and abdomen and less extensively on the face, arms, and legs. The rash is not itchy and may last from a few hours to 2 days.
A doctor makes the diagnosis based on the symptoms. Antibody tests and a culture of the virus are rarely needed.
Fever is treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The seizures and rash do not require any specific treatment. But since they are frightening, most parents bring their child to the doctor for evaluation.
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