Key takeaways: Roseola is a common viral illness, usually in children 6 months to 2 years. It typically causes 3 to 5 days of high fever, then a pink rash on the trunk as the fever goes away. Most children recover fully. High fevers can trigger febrile seizures in some children. Call your doctor for fevers in young babies or fevers lasting more than a few days.
Roseola is a classic childhood illness that often surprises parents with its pattern.
Cause
Most cases are caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and some by HHV-7. These are different from the viruses that cause cold sores.
Signs
- High fever, often over 103°F, lasting 3 to 5 days.
- Mild symptoms, such as fussiness, runny nose, or swollen eyelids. Many babies seem fairly well despite the fever.
- Rash: as the fever breaks, small pink spots appear, usually on the chest, back, and belly, sometimes spreading. It doesn’t itch and fades in 1 to 2 days.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book covers common first-year illnesses and the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor, explained the way I’d explain them at the bedside.
Febrile Seizures
Some children have a febrile seizure during the fever. These are frightening but usually harmless.
Care at Home
- Fluids and rest.
- Fever relief as advised by your doctor.
- Dress lightly.
Contagiousness
Roseola spreads through saliva. Once the rash appears, children are usually no longer contagious.
Call your baby’s doctor if your baby: is under 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F or higher, has a fever over 104°F, has a fever lasting more than 3 days, has signs of dehydration, or seems very sick. Call 911 for a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or breathing trouble.
The Bottom Line
Roseola causes high fever followed by a rash. Most children recover fully. Keep your baby comfortable and call for warning signs.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Roseola infantum. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Kimberlin DW, Banerjee R, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, Sawyer MH, eds. Red Book: 2024-2027 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 33rd ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2024.
- National Library of Medicine. Roseola. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
