Roseola Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of roseola include the following:

• Fever
  • 103°F to 105°F
  • Begins suddenly and is not associated with other symptoms
  • Lasts 3 days, occasionally a day or two longer
• Convulsions may occur in association with high fever in up to 5% to 10% of children
• Rash is characteristic in roseola and develops typically 12 to 24 hours after the fever
  • Appears first on chest and abdomen
  • Rose-colored
  • May spread to arms, legs, neck, and face
  • Lasts for a few hours to a few days and does not itch
• Other symptoms or signs may include:
  • Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears
  • Irritability
  • Poor appetite
  • Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms may be present before onset of fever

The appearance of a rash after the fever disappears is the characteristic sign of roseola.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. The symptoms and physical findings of roseola are so distinctive that no other tests are usually needed. Often, there is a history of other children with roseola in the community.