Childhood Infections

Question 1

Summarise the main characeteristics of chicken pox.

Answer 1

Fever initially followed by an itchy rash starting on the head and trunk and spreading outwards. Initialy the rash is macular then papular then vesicular.

Question 2

Summarise the main characeteristics of measles.

Answer 2

In the prodromal period the patient is irritable, has conjunctivitis and fever. Koplik spots (white spots on the buccal cavity) develop. The rash starts behind the ears then to the whole body. It starts as a discrete maculopapular rash and then becomes blotchy and confluent.

Question 3

Summarise the main characeteristics of Mumps.

Answer 3

The child develops fever, malaise and then muscular pain. Parotitis initially unilaterally and then bilaterally in 70%.

Question 4

Summarise the main characeteristics of Rubella.

Answer 4

They develop a pink maculopapular rash initially on the face before spreading to the whole body. It usually fades by the 3-5 day. They will also have suboccipital and postauricular lymphadenopathy.

Question 5

Summarise the main characeteristics of Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth disease).

Answer 5

It is caused by parvovirus B19. the child develops lethargy, fever and headache. They develop a slapped cheek rash spreading to the proximal arms and extensor surfaces.

Question 6

Summarise the main characeteristics of Sacrlet fever.

Answer 6

This is a reaction erythrogenic toxins produced by Group A haemolytic streptococci. The patient will develop fever, malaise and tonsillitis. They will have a strawberry tongue. They usually will have a rash that is fine and punctate that spares the face.

Question 7

Summarise the main characeteristics of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease.

Answer 7

Caused by Coxsackie A16 virus. Mild systemic upset and a sore throat with fever. Vesicles in the mouth and on the palms and soles of the feet.