Two strains of herpes virus create the roseola virus, a common viral infection, which causes fever, followed by a rash. The rash appears on the chest, back and stomach before spreading to the limbs. Small, red bumps occur in patches and disappear within hours or days. The virus is so common that, by kindergarten, most children are immune to roseola due to prior exposure. The nature of roseola makes identifying infected children difficult until the rash appears. Taking standard precautions when swimming in communal areas helps reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of infection.
Viral Progression
Like other viral infections, roseola spreads through saliva and mucus. Saliva and mucus are especially fluid in a communal swimming environment. For example, ingesting particles of phlegm in the water while swimming would cause roseola. A child with roseola is most contagious during the two weeks prior to exhibiting symptoms. Fever is the first symptom of roseola and lasts three to five days. The rash does not appear until the fever subsides, when the child is least contagious. The development of the rash indicates a decrease in the bacteria levels present in the saliva and mucus.
Swimming Pools
For multiple reasons, most public health departments allow children with roseola rash to swim in public pools. Roseola rash occurs only in the final stages of the virus when the child is minimally contagious. In addition, the chlorine level of a communal swimming pool reduces the bacteria in saliva or mucus. Even though children with roseola rash are minimally contagious, those exhibiting the rash help protect others by avoiding private pools and those without chlorine, such as kiddie pools.
Fresh Water
Swimming in a lake with roseola rash increases others' risk of infection more than swimming in a chlorinated pool. Roseola is least contagious once the rash appears but contagious nevertheless. Children frequently swallow water while swimming and splashing, especially when in close proximity to others. Swallowing lake water with phlegm or spit particles from a child with roseola rash can transmit the illness.
Children at Risk
For children suffering from certain health conditions, such as a compromised immune system or history of seizures, contracting roseola is more dangerous than a mild childhood virus. Children with compromised immune systems, including those with recent bone marrow or organ transplants, can develop serious complications from roseola, including pneumonia or encephalitis. Additionally, the abrupt fever associated with the early stages of roseola causes seizures in some children, particularly those with a history of temperature-related seizures.
