Roseola is an acute disease of infants and young children that is characterized by a high fever and skin rash.

The disease is common in children 3 months to 4 years old, and most common in those between 6 months and 1 year. It is caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), although similar syndromes are possible with other viruses.

Roseola occurs throughout the year. The incubation period (the time between becoming infected and the beginning of symptoms)  is 5 to 15 days. A fever lasting 3 (sometimes up to 7) days generally comes before the rash appears. The fever may be as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roseola begins with a high fever that generally responds well to acetaminophen (Tylenol). Between the 2nd and 4th day of illness, the fever falls dramatically, and a rash appears (often as the fever falls) on the trunk and spreads to the limbs, neck, and face. The rash lasts from a few hours to 2 days.

• An abrupt onset of high fever
• Irritability
• A rash erupts on the 4th or 5th day of the illness (the fever has usually resolved or is dropping by the time the rash appears)

• A history of roseola in the community
• A physical exam of rash
• Swollen lymph nodes on the back of the scalp (occipital nodes)