Ruseola Infantum Flashcards
Define
“Sixth disease (HHV6) / exanthum subitem / roseola infantum”
o HHV6 and HHV7 can present very similarly (HHV6 is more common = Roseola Infantum)
o Most children infected by age 2 (6m to 2yo) – highly infectious, infective during whole period of disease
o N.B. infected very YOUNG compared to other infections
Signs and symptoms
High fever and malaise (3-4 days) -> generalised macular (small pink spots) rash (appears as the fever wanes)
- Rash starts on neck/body and spread to arms, lasting 1-2 days, non-itchy, blanching
- Many have a febrile illness and never develop a rash; commonly misdiagnosed as measles/rubella
- Febrile convulsions in 10-15%
o Sore throat, lymphadenopathy, coryzal symptoms, D&V
o Nagayama spots (spots on the uvula and soft palate)
o N.B. lack of Koplik spots (white spots on buccal mucosa)
Investigations
HHV6/7 serology (IgG and IgM)
o Measles & rubella serology (similar presentation)
Management
Supportive (virus; fluids, analgesia, rest) à will clear in ~1 week
o No need to stay off school
o Safety net the complications – high fever à febrile convulsions (10-15%)
