Roseola Infantum

Roseola infantum is a viral infection caused by the human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), which is characterised by a sudden high fever and rash.

A small portion of children with roseola infantum may experience convulsions due to the high fever (febrile convulsion).

The roseola infantum infections normally affects babies and toddlers between 6 months to three years old.

Roseola infantum is known as exanthem subitum or sixth disease.

Most babies develop antibodies to roseola by the time they’re toddlers, so they generally don’t get infected again.

Some adults may catch it, if they were never infected as a child, so they have no antibodies. Adults with very compromised immune systems may also catch it, even if they have antibodies. This is because their immune system can’t handle it.

The roseola infantum rash can sometimes be confused with measles or rubella.

Incubation period

The incubation period is the length of time it takes from being infected by someone else with roseola infantum, to showing symptoms. It will take 5-15 days before you show any symptoms.

Ringworm has an incubation period of: 5-15 days

How do you get roseola infantum

You can catch roseola infantum by:

• inhaling the fluids that are coughed or sneezed into the air

Children with roseola can only spread the infection before the fever and/or rash occur. Once the child has symptoms, they are no longer contagious.

Symptoms of roseola infantum

• Fever – raised body temperature (fever) of 39.5°C-40.5°C (103°F-105°F) that lasts about four days
• Rash – a pink-red flat rash that develops all over he body when the fever ends. The rash turns white when pressed. The rash lasts about 1-2 days
• Swollen glands – the lymph glands may be swollen

Treatment of roseola infantum

• See a doctor – any child with suspected roseola infantum needs to see a doctor who can perform an examination to diagnose this condition
• Reduce the fever – use a cool compress, cool sponging, cool bath and cool drinks to reduce the fever
• Fluids – plenty of fluids (water, natural juice)
• Medication – the doctor may advise giving the baby paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the fever

Complications of roseola infantum

Roseola infantum can sometimes lead to complications:

• ear infections
• possibility of fits triggered by a high fever (febrile convulsions), as the child’s temperature may rise very quickly. This requires immediate medical intervention. Always call the ambulance if your child has a high temperature and is fitting

Vaccination

There’s currently no vaccine for roseola infantum.

If your child has roseola infantum, keep them away from childcare, kindergarten or school. Do not allow them to share any personal items with anyone else.

Reducing risk of infection

Strategies to reduce infection:

• if your child gets roseola infantum, keep them away from school and other children
• discuss the roseola infantum infection with your doctor
• ensure you and your child/children wash hands with a sanitising hand soap
• wash toys and clothes in detergent that has a sanitising effect
• wipe down surfaces with a 70% alcohol solution

References

• Infectious etiologies. CDC USA. Accessed 5 July 2024
• Roseola infantum. National Institutes of Health USA. Accessed 5 July 2024

Last reviewed and updated: 5 July 2024