Roseola Infantum
Roseola infantum is a common viral disease caused by human herpes virus. Roseola infantum is the sixth of the traditional exanthems of childhood. The condition is an acute benign disease of childhood characterized by a history of a prodromal febrile illness lasting approximately 3 days. Roseola infantum occurs most often in the spring and fall, sometimes in local outbreaks. The usual cause is herpesvirus 6, one of the many herpesviruses. Most children have been in contact with this virus by the time they are 3 years old. Some may have been unwell with it, but for many the illness may have been very mild and may not have been noticed Symptoms begin about 5 to 15 days after infection. A fever of 103 to 105° F begins abruptly and lasts for 3 to 5 days. In 5 to 15% of children, seizures occur as a result of high fever, particularly as the fever begins and rises quickly. Despite the high fever, the child is usually alert and active. A few children have a mild runny nose, sore throat, or an upset stomach. The lymph nodes at the back of the head, the sides of the neck, and behind the ears may be enlarged. The fever usually disappears on the fourth day.About 30% of children develop a rash within a few hours to at most a day after the temperature falls.
The rash is red and flat, but it may have raised areas, mostly on the chest and abdomen and less extensively on the face, arms, and legs. The rash is not itchy and may last from a few hours to 2 days. Like other herpes viruses, HHV-6 then remains latent in most patients who are immunocompetent. Although it is uncommonly associated with clinical disease in patients who are immunocompetent, HHV-6 is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who are immunosuppressed, particularly in patients with AIDS and in those who are transplant recipients. In the primary infection, replication of the virus occurs in the leukocytes and the salivary glands. It is present in saliva.
Causes of Roseola Infantum
Common causes of Roseola Infantum
- Human herpesvirus 6
- Deoxyribonucleic acid.
- Exanthem subitum infections.
Symptoms of Roseola Infantum
Common symptoms of Roseola Infantum
- High fever.
- Unconsciousness.
- Twitching in the arms, legs, or face.
- Loss of control of the bladder.
- Skin Rash
- Stomach upset
- Irritability
Treatment of Roseola Infantum
Common Treatment of Roseola Infantum
- Until the fever drops, you can help keep your child cool using a sponge or towel soaked in lukewarm water. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) can help to reduce your child's fever.
- Children's electrolyte solutions, flat sodas like ginger ale or lemon-lime (stir room-temperature soda until the fizz disappears), or clear broth.
- It is best to keep any unwell child home from child care or creche for two good reasons: the sick child needs extra attention, and the other children at the childcare centre or creche shouldn't be exposed to infection.
- Offer the child lots of water and drinks.
- Babies and young children who are unwell need extra comforting and attention.
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