Roseola

What is roseola?

Roseola is a viral illness. It’s most common in children between 6 months and 2 years of age.

How does it spread?

Direct contact: When someone comes into contact with an infected person’s saliva (spit) on their hands and then rubs their eyes or nose.

Indirect contact: When germs in the nose and throat of an infected person spread through the air—as droplets from a cough or sneeze.

How can I prevent roseola from spreading?

Hand washing is the best way to reduce the spread of viral infections.

What are the symptoms of roseola?

• Roseola usually starts with a high fever (often over 39.5°C or 103° F) that lasts for 3-5 days.
• Most children are not very sick during the fever stage. But for some children the fever can be associated with febrile seizures (or convulsions).
• Your child may be cranky and irritable.
• When the fever ends, a rash of small pinkish- red spots develops on your child’s face and body. The spots will turn white when you touch them and they might have a lighter ring around them. The rash usually spreads to the neck, face, arms, and legs. It can last from a couple of hours to up to 2 days. It is usually not itchy.

What can parents do?

Despite the fever and rash, most children with roseola do not get very sick and the condition gets better without treatment.

• Antibiotics cannot be used to treat roseola because it is caused by a virus, not a bacteria.
• Keep your child comfortable and offer your child plenty of fluids until he starts to feel well again.
• Children do not need to be treated for fever unless they are uncomfortable.
• Children can continue to attend daycare or school if they feel well enough.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor if your child:

• has a fever for more than 72 hours.
• is under 6 months old and has a fever.
• has a seizure.
• is lethargic or dehydrated.