Roseola 301920 222573355 2008-06-30T01:50:25Z 98.166.11.176 /* Vaccines and treatment */ {{Infobox_Disease | Name = Roseola | Image = | Caption = | DiseasesDB = 5857 | ICD10 = {{ICD10|B|08|2|b|00}} | ICD9 = {{ICD9|057.8}} | ICDO = | OMIM = | MedlinePlus = 000968 | eMedicineSubj = emerg | eMedicineTopic = 400 | eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|derm|378}} {{eMedicine2|ped|998}} | MeshID = }} {{Taxobox | color=violet | name = ''Roseolovirus'' | image = HHV-6 - EM.jpg | image_caption = Electron micrograph of HHV-6 | virus_group = i | familia = ''[[Herpesviridae]]'' | genus = '''''Roseolovirus''''' | subdivision_ranks = species | subdivision = '''''[[Human herpesvirus 6]]''''' (HHV-6)<br/> '''''[[Human herpesvirus 7]]''''' (HHV-7) }} '''[[Exanthem]] subitum''' (meaning ''sudden rash''), also referred to as '''roseola infantum''' (or '''rose rash of infants'''), '''sixth disease''' (as the sixth rash-causing childhood disease) and (confusingly) '''baby measles''', or '''three day fever''', is a benign disease of children, generally under two years old, whose manifestations are usually limited to a transient rash ("exanthem") that occurs following a fever of about three day's duration. Until recently, its origin was unknown, but it is now known to be caused by two human [[herpesvirus]]es, '''HHV-6''' ([[Human Herpesvirus Six]]) and '''HHV-7''', also called '''''Roseolovirus'''''. ==Clinical features== Typically the disease affects a child between six months and three years of age, and begins with a sudden high [[fever]] of 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit (39-40 degrees Celsius). This can cause, in rare cases, febrile convulsions (also known as [[febrile seizure]]s or "fever fits") due to the sudden rise in body temperature, but in many cases the child appears and acts normal. After a few days the fever subsides, and just as the child appears to be recovering, a red rash appears. This usually begins on the trunk, spreading to the legs and neck. It disappears again in a matter of hours to a day or so. In contrast, a child suffering from [[measles]] would usually appear more infirm, with symptoms of [[conjunctivitis]] and a cough, and their rash would affect the face and last for several days. Liver dysfunction can occur in rare cases, and the rare adult who contracts the disease can show signs of [[mononucleosis]]. ==Vaccines and treatment== There is no specific [[vaccine]] against or treatment for exanthem subitum, and most children with the disease are not seriously ill. A child with [[fever]] should be given plenty of fluids to drink. [[Paracetamol]]/[[acetaminophen]] or [[ibuprofen]] could be given to reduce their temperature (but never [[aspirin]], due to the risk of [[Reye's Syndrome]]<ref>[http://www.reyessyndrome.org/aspirin.htm ''What is the role of aspirin?''], reyessyndrome.org</ref>). Fever reduction is usually not needed, because fever is a normal and useful reaction of the body, and if it does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), harmless. The rash is not particularly itchy and needs no special lotions or creams. It is likely that many children acquire exanthem subitum "subclinically"; in other words, they show no outward sign of the disease. Others may be debilitated enough that a doctor's opinion is required to confirm the diagnosis, and particularly to rule out other more serious infections, such as [[meningitis]] or [[measles]]. In case of [[febrile seizure]]s, medical advice is essential. ==References== <references/> ==External links== * [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000968.htm MedlinePlus encyclopedia entry] on "roseola" * [http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/roseola.html Links to roseola pictures], Hardin MD/Univ of Iowa * [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9E0CE7DC1F3AF93AA15756C0A964958260 Newly Found Herpes Virus Is Called Major Cause of Illness in Young], ''New York Times'' * [http://www.hhv-6foundation.org/ HHV-6 Foundation] * {{DermNet|viral/roseola}} {{Viral diseases}} {{Exanthema}} [[Category:Viral diseases]] [[Category:Pediatrics]] [[Category:Herpesviruses]] [[de:Drei-Tage-Fieber]] [[fr:Roséole]] [[it:Sesta malattia]] [[nl:Zesde ziekte]] [[ja:突発性発疹]] [[no:Tredagersfeber]] [[pl:Rumień nagły]] [[pt:Roséola]] [[fi:Vauvarokko]]