Roseola is an illness most often seen in children between the ages of six months and two years. It is caused by a virus and usually lasts three to five days. Once they have had roseola, most children cannot get it again.

Symptoms include:

• High fever that begins suddenly and goes up rapidly
• Rosy colored skin rash that starts on the child’s upper body once the fever goes down
• Some children have decreased appetite
• Fatigue and/or irritability
• Sometimes sore throat, swollen glands and/or swollen eyelids

Treatment:

• Have child drink lots of liquids
• Bathe child in lukewarm water
• Dress child in light clothing
• Give children’s acetaminophen to reduce fever. Use appropriate recommended dosage