A 7-month-old child has developed onset of high fever, inflamed tympanic membranes, and cold-like symptoms for 3 to 4 days. The symptoms improved at the same time a characteristic maculopapular rash covering the trunk and spreading to the appendages appeared. The baby has most likely developed _______________.

Roseola (roe-zee-OH-lah) is a viral illness that most commonly affects young kids between 6 months and 2 years old. It's also known as sixth disease, exanthem subitum, and roseola infantum.

It is usually marked by several days of high fever, followed by a distinctive rash just as the fever breaks.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Roseola?

Most children with roseola develop a mild upper respiratory illness, followed by a high fever (often higher than 103°F or 39.5°C) for up to a week. During this time, a child might be fussy or irritable, not eat as much as usual, and may have swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck.

The high fever often ends abruptly, and at about the same time a pinkish-red flat or raised rash starts on the trunk. The rash's spots turn white when touched, and individual spots may have a lighter "halo" around them. The rash usually spreads to the neck, face, arms, and legs.

This fast-rising fever can trigger febrile seizures (convulsions caused by high fevers) in about 10% to 15% of young children who have roseola.