What is it?
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An acute rash disease caused by a virus. There are many viruses that can cause roseola, the most common virus is human herpesvirus-6 virus.
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Roseola occurs most commonly between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. It is rarely seen after 4 years of age.
Signs and Symptoms
- Fever (usually ≥ 39.5°C) appears suddenly and lasts 3 – 5 days - then rash appears.
- Febrile seizures may occur.
- Swelling of eyelids may occur.
- Rash develop before sneezing???
- Rash is rosy – pink rash develops first on neck and chest, and then spreads to rest of the body. The spots (rash) turn white if you gently press on them and they may have a lighter color ring around them, the rash usually lasts 1 – 2 days.
- Rash usually develops as fever is resolving.
How is it spread?
- Through direct contact with the nose and throat secretions of an infected person.
- Older siblings, caregivers, and parents may spread the disease to infants.
Incubation Period
Usually 10 days from contact with an infected person (range is 5 – 15 days).
When is the person contagious?
An infected child is probably most contagious during the period of high fever, before a rash develops.
The exact duration of infectiousness is unknown.
Many adults have the virus present in their saliva (even if they were infected as children) and may spread the disease to infants.
How to prevent spread of the illness to other children?
Exclude child from school or child care facility until fever and rash are gone.