Human herpes virus 6 was discovered in 1986 and later identified as the cause of roseola. Roseola is a mild infection that generally affects children sometime before the age of 2. It is very common, so common that most children have been infected by the time they enter kindergarten, according to MayoClinic.com. The initial symptoms are similar to those of a cold and include a runny nose and sore throat. A fever usually develops that can last up to a week and reach as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometime during the first week, a characteristic pink or rosy rash develops. The rash usually forms on the trunk first, and then spreads to the face, legs and arms. It contains small sores that do not itch and usually disappears within a few days to a week.
Acetaminophen
The first symptoms of roseola are a high fever and cold-like symptoms including a sore throat and runny nose. According to Medline Plus, the best treatment for the fever is children's strength acetaminophen used according to the packaging directions. Cool sponge baths may also control a high fever. The fever and other symptoms usually disappear within a week.
Possible Complications
Occasionally the high fever that accompanies roseola may lead to seizures or convulsions. In such a case, a parent should immediately take the child to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance.
Adult Infections
According to the Centers for Disease Control, once a person has had a case of roseola, he will carry herpes virus 6 in a latent or suspended form for his entire life. Usually, there is no second illness from the virus. However, if a person becomes immunocompromised for any reason, a second herpes virus 6 infection may occur. These later infections sometimes cause serious conditions, such as encephalitis or hepatitis, which may be treated with antiviral agents.
