What it means
Also called roseola infantum or sixth disease, it mostly affects children 6 months to 2 years old. A high fever lasts 3 to 5 days, and as the fever breaks, a pink, flat or slightly raised rash appears on the trunk and spreads. The child usually feels better once the rash appears. The sudden high fever can trigger febrile seizures.
For the nurse
Teach the family to manage fever with fluids and acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed, what to do during a febrile seizure, and to seek care if the child is very sleepy or not drinking.
At a glance
| Also written | roseola infantum, exanthem subitum, sixth disease |
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Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
measles
A very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.
fifth disease
A common childhood viral illness caused by parvovirus B19, also called erythema infectiosum.