Roseola
Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Roseola
Roseola is a common rash illness that usually occurs in children under 4 years of age. It is the most common cause of rash in children 6 months to 2 years of age.
Cause
Human herpesvirus 6.
Symptoms
Usually a high fever that appears suddenly and generally lasts 3 to 7 days. As the fever breaks, a rash appears on the trunk and neck and may later spread to the rest of the body. The rash may last from several hours to several days. At this time, the child usually does not feel very sick. Infection also occurs without symptoms in many children. Seizures may occur in children with high fevers.
Persons with weakened immune systems may have more severe disease and symptoms may last longer.
Spread
Most likely person-to-person through respiratory secretions.
Incubation
Estimated to be 9 to 10 days.
Contagious Period
Most likely during the fever and before the rash appears.
Exclusion
Child Care: Until fever is gone and other rash illnesses, especially measles, have been ruled out.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has fever and rash.
Treatment
None.
Prevention/Control
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after touching anything contaminated with secretions from the nose and mouth and before preparing or eating food.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Roseola Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Roseola
Roseola is a viral rash. It is the most common cause of rashes in children 6 months to 2 years of age.
If you think your child has Roseola:
- Tell your child care provider.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care:
Yes, until fever is gone and other rash illnesses, especially measles, have been ruled out.
- Child Care:
Symptoms
Your child may have a high fever that starts suddenly and generally lasts for a few days. As the fever breaks, a rash appears on the child’s belly, chest, back, and neck. It may later spread to the rest of the body. Even with a rash, your child may still feel okay. Illness may last up to 7 days.
If your child is infected, it may take 9 to 10 days for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By touching the secretions from the nose or mouth.
Contagious Period
Most likely during the fever and before the rash appears.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If your child has a fever and a rash.
Prevention
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect any objects or surfaces that come in contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Use a product that kills viruses.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.