"Baby measles" is a common phrase for "Roseola," a disease that primarily strikes infants and young children (usually between 3 months and 4 years, but most commonly the age group 6-12 months).

The word Roseola, literally translated, means any rose-colored rash. (See , Dorland’s Medical Dictionary for Healthcare Consumers ).

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Roseola is a virus brought on by the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). It spreads via airborne droplets from an infected person.

Infected children may not show any symptoms for 5-15 days. You won’t know your child has Roseola until he or she becomes symptomatic after the incubation period.

Common Symptoms:

• Mild upper respiratory problems
• High fever
• Irritability
• Decreased appetite
• The fever drops after 3 – 7 days. Then a pinkish-red rash, flat or raised, appears on the child’s trunk. It will then spread to the arms, legs, face, and neck
• Seizures may also occur – if this happens seek immediate medical attention.

Treatments

While there is no cure for Roseola, it is not dangerous. However, complications from Roseola can develop, especially during the fevering stage. High fevers can cause convulsions (seizures). Some children may experience difficulty breathing.

If you fear that your child’s symptoms are life threatening, you should call your pediatrician right away, or take your baby to the nearest urgent care facility or emergency room to be checked out.

The only symptom requiring treatment is the fever. The rash does not cause any known discomfort to baby. If your child experiences any respiratory symptoms, these are usually very mild and require no specific treatment.

Treatments for fever may include any combination of the following, as suggested by the National Institutes of Health:

• Fever-reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) (however, avoid giving your child aspirin, which has been implicated in the development of Reye’s syndrome)
• Cool sponge baths to help keep fevers in check
• Clear fluids to keep the infant hydrated.

Duration

• The fever may last for 3 to 7 days.
• The rash comes on at the end of the fevering period and disappears on its own within a few days, along with any respiratory symptoms.

Click here to see a photo of the Roseola rash, from GeorgiaHealthInfo.gov.

Has your child had Roseola?

If so, how did you handle it? Feel free to share your experiences by submitting your comments.