Despite the fact that roseola is one of the classic conditions that affect infants and young children, pediatricians did not know its cause until relatively recently. They had long suspected that the condition was caused by a virus, but the search for the precise cause of the disease had been unrewarding. Using new diagnostic methods to detect the virus, researchers have confirmed that infection with these viruses is even more common that suspected. In one study, human herpes virus 6 infection accounted for 10 percent of all fever-related emergency room visits among children during their first two years of life, and for 20 percent of such visits among those who were six to twelve months of age. The incidence of this disease in young children who are seen in pediatricians' offices for fever without other symptoms is not know, but it is likely large.
Roseola is a self-limited viral disease for which no specific therapy is available or required.
There is currently no rapid diagnostic test available that will allow physicians working in offices and in hospital emergency rooms to quickly confirm their diagnosis when evaluation the patient. As such, the diagnosis must be made on clinical grounds. Children's Medical Center of Dallas - Terms and Conditions Please send the Webmaster any comments or questions regarding Children's Web site.