Sixth Disease

What is sixth disease?

The disease is caused by human herpes virus. This infection needs to be distinguished from the mouth soar / mouth blister, which is caused by herpes simplex virus. The disease is also know by exanthema subitum and roseola infantum.

What are the symptoms?

The disease is characterized by high fever, lasting typically 3 days, which is followed by a rash. At the time of the rash appearance the fever is gone or significantly reduced. The rash affects the area of the trunk, neck and sometimes the face. Children between 3 to 4 Years of age are affected the most.

What are the complications?

The symptoms are typically of that of a flue with coughing, sneezing and sore throat. Vomiting and diarrhoea can also occur and sometimes the eyelids are swollen. All these symptoms are not dangerous and disappear when the fever is gone.

What is the therapy?

Therapy is limited to bed rest, antipyretics and loads of fluid intake.

Isolation and pregnancy?

There are no reports of adverse effects to the unborn child during pregnancy.