Roseola infantum (also known as exanthem subitum, occasionally sixth disease) is a common disease of infancy caused by the human herpes virus 6 (HHV6). It has an incubation period of 5-15 days and typically affects children aged 6 months to 2 years.

Features

• high fever: lasting a few days, followed later by a
• maculopapular rash
• Nagayama spots: papular enanthem on the uvula and soft palate
• febrile convulsions occur in around 10-15%
• diarrhoea and cough are also commonly seen

Other possible consequences of HHV6 infection

• aseptic meningitis
• hepatitis

School exclusion is not needed.