How to Identify Roseola

Roseola is a common childhood virus. Most children have been exposed to the virus and one third of all children have contracted Roseola. The danger is not from the rash associated with Roseola, but in the fever. Children that are harmed by the bacteria have usually experienced seizure-related problems. Here's how to identify Roseola in your little bundle of joy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Check if the child is less than 4 years of age. Roseola usually attacks a child between 6 months and 2 years of age. There are cases of kids with Roseola up to age 4, but after 4 years it is very rare. The age of the child will rule out Roseola.
2. Watch for a high fever and accompanying fussiness and loss of appetite due to the fever. The fever will range from 102 degrees to 105 degrees. The fever will last for 2 to 3 days and then subside. This fever can be very dangerous and cause seizures if not treated immediately.
3. Look for a rash several days after the high fever. This is an indicator that it is Roseola. The rash looks like thousands of small red dots all over the child's chest, stomach or back. The spots can be more concentrated in one area blending all the red into one reddish spot.
4. Rule out pneumonia, strep throat, ear infection or other fever-causing illnesses. Have the child checked by her doctor for other common childhood illnesses that also involve a fever.