Definition of Roseola infantum
Roseola infantum: Roseola infantum is another
name for roseola, also formally called roseola infantilis. The
following is a brief rundown on roseola:
Cause: Roseola is caused by a virus called human
herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and, possibly, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7).
Age range: Roseola is most common in children 6 months to
24 months of age.
Spread: Roseola is spread from person to person, but it is
not known how. Roseola is not very contagious.
Initial symptoms: These include a high fever that lasts for
3 to 5 days, runny nose, irritability, eyelid swelling, and
tiredness.
The rash: When the fever disappears, a rash
appears. The rash is mainly on the face and body.
Course: The rash lasts for about 24 to 48 hours. Roseola
usually goes away without any treatment.
Complications of roseola are rare.
Seeing the doctor: A child with fever and rash should be
excluded
from child care until seen by a physician.
Return to child care: A child with rash and no fever may
return to child care.
Because the rash appears so suddenly (right after the fever
dramatically departs), the disease is also sometimes called exanthem
subitum.
Last Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:28:00 PM
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