Introduction
-Roseola is a viral disease characterized by an abrupt onset of high fever and macular rash
– It predominantly affects children, but rarely adults
– Previously it was called Sixth disease
– Most common cause is Human Herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), particularly HHV-6B
– Most patients are between 6 months and 3 years of age
Symptoms & Signs
Fever: Abrupt onset of fever, which persists for 3 to 5 days, but can last up to 8 days and reaches above 39.5°C; Palpebral edema causing swollen eyelids resulting in a “sleepy” appearance; Erythematous papules on the soft palate (Nagayama spots)
Rash: Appearance of rash immediately following the fever; An erythematous macular or maculopapular rash consisting of rose or pink lesions; 2 to 5 mm in size; begins on the trunk and spreads to the face, neck, and extremities; rash blanches with pressure; it lasts 1 to 2 days
Diagnosis
Laboratory findings are seldom necessary; usually normal, but can show neutropenia, atypical lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, sterile pyuria
Treatment
Roseola is a benign, self-limited infection; Acetaminophen is useful for fever control
Q.What is the hallmark of roseola? Abrupt onset of high fever followed by abrupt onset of rash
Q.When will a patient with roseola become non-contagious? With defervescence and appearance of the rash
- What is the most frequent complication of roseola? Febrile seizures