Roseola: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 9/10/2019

Roseola is a mild viral illness of childhood. It is characterized by high fever that typically comes on suddenly and lasts for three to five days. Other symptoms of roseola are

The rash is usually pink in color and consists of tiny flat or slightly raised dots. Nonspecific symptoms can occur in ill infants and children. These symptoms and signs can include

Causes of roseola

Roseola is primarily caused by the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and less frequently by human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). It is spread from person to person, typically through oral secretions.

Other roseola symptoms and signs

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References
Gorman, Christopher R. "Roseola Infantum." Medscape.com. June 2, 2016. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1133023-overview>.