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Roseola (Sixth disease)

​Roseola is a contagious disease caused by a type of herpes virus. It most commonly affects children between the ages of 1 and 5 years-old, especially children younger than 2. It is typically a mild disease that goes away on its own within one week.

What are the symptoms of roseola?

Roseola typically starts with a high fever (≥103F) for 3 to 5 days, then a pink elevated rash appears abruptly on the abdomen then spreads to face, arms, and legs. Red lesions may appear on the soft palate (inside the mouth), and the area around eyes may become swollen. Seizures are common in children with roseola. It takes 5 to 15 days for symptoms to appear after a child is exposed to the virus.

How is roseola diagnosed?

Roseola is diagnosed by a physician through a clinical exam. There are no laboratory tests for roseola.

How is it spread?

Roseola viruses spread through large droplets when a child talks, coughs, or sneezes; the droplets may be inhaled by another person, or land on surfaces and get touched by the hands, and then transmitted to nose, mouth, or eyes.

What is the treatment for roseola?

The treatment is supportive only, based on addressing the symptoms, with over-the-counter medications and keeping appropriate hydration.

How can it be prevented?

As with other infectious diseases, keeping frequent and proper hand hygiene is essential to control the spread of disease, along with cleaning and disinfection of frequently-touched surfaces.

Resources

CDC Infectious Etiologies

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Roseola (Sixth Disease)

Johns Hopkins Medicine Roseola