Home > Encyclopedia of Children's Health > Roseola

Definition

Roseola is a common disease of babies or young children, in which several days of very high fever are followed by a characteristic rash.

Demographics

Roseola is an extraordinarily common infection, caused by a virus. About 90 percent of all children have been exposed to the virus, with about 33 percent actually demonstrating the syndrome of fever followed by rash.

The most common age for a child to contract roseola is between six and twelve months. Roseola infection strikes boys and girls equally. The infection may occur at any time of year, although late spring and early summer seem to be peak times for it.

Causes and...