Roseola
DEFINITION:
A viral illness with a characteristic rash, also called exanthem
subitum.
SYMPTOMS:
Cold
symptoms followed by a fever of up to 106 degrees. The fever
persists for about 5 days, the fever breaks, and then a rash
develops. The rash starts from the trunk and spreads outward.
It lasts about 3 days and then fades away.
CAUSES:
Viruses, called human herpes virus 6 and human herpes virus
7.
DIAGNOSIS:
The diagnosis is made by the clinical symptoms of the illness.
A blood test can be done, but this is rarely necessary.
CONTAGION:
The
virus that causes roseola is contagious until the rash has
disappeared. The incubation period is 3-7 days.
TREATMENT:
No
treatment is necessary other than keeping the child comfortable
with fluids, rest, and fever medicines.
DISCUSSION:
Roseola infantum is called this because of the rosy rash.
The peak age for this illness is 6-15 months of age with 95%
of cases happening in children less than 3 years of age. Children
with roseola typically appear well, even though they have
a high fever. Since the fever is typically so high, children
will usually visit a physician. The physician will most likely
diagnose a viral illness, and subsequently the rash will develop,
confirming the diagnosis. Since the fever can run so high,
a febrile seizure may occur. This happens in 5-10% of children
with this illness. Fortunately, this seizure, although frightening,
is harmless. Although this illness is typically harmless,
complications with the liver and brain have been reported,
but this is extremely rare.
ONE
DOCTOR'S OPINION:
It is always worrisome when a child gets a fever
of 106 degrees. However, since the child typically appears
well with the fever, a more serious illness is unlikely. Once
the fever breaks and the rash develops, everyone can heave
a big sigh of relief, for this is roseola. It will just run
its course and go away.
