roseola

(rō″zē′ō′lă)

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.

(rō-zē′ŏ′lă)
[L. roseus, rosy]
A transient infectious disease of early childhood (usually between the ages of 6 and 24 months) in which children develop a high fever, sore throat, conjunctivitis, and swollen lymph nodes.

INCIDENCE
Roseola is a very common disease of early childhood.

CAUSES
Roseola is usually caused by infection with human herpesvirus 6 (HSV6) or HSV7.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
After the fever goes away, a rose-colored rash appears on the trunk. The rash often spreads to the neck, face, and limbs.

DIAGNOSIS
The rash is diagnostic, esp. when found in an infant or preschool child after an illness typically marked by high fevers.

PREVENTION
Since the disease is usually contagious before the rash becomes clinically apparent, there are no currently effective preventive strategies. As a general rule, handwashing should be standard practice whenever one has contact with any sick child or adult.

TREATMENT
There are no specific remedies.

IMPACT ON HEALTH
The disease usually follows an upper respiratory infection and usually resolves without any permanent injury to the child

PATIENT CARE
Supportive care, including maintaining good hydration and comforting the child; giving acetaminophen for fevers; avoiding heavy blanketing or clothing, is provided to the child. Sponge baths and frequent sips of fluids (soups and broths, water, ice, juices, etc.) are given.
SYN: SEE: exanthem subitum; SEE: roseola infantum; SEE: sixth disease; SEE: Zahorsky disease

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.