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Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The signs and symptoms of HHV-6 (or HHV-7) infection vary depending upon the age of the patient. Infants and toddlers routinely will develop a sudden high fever that lasts for three to five days. In addition, irritability, swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the front or back of the neck, runny nose, and possibly mild diarrhea may be present. Within 12-24 hours of the fever breaking, a rash rapidly appears. The rash is mainly located on the neck, abdomen, and trunk/back but may extend to the extremities. The rash appears as separate, raised 3 mm-5 mm lesions (papules) or as similarly sized flat (macular) spots. The skin is mildly red in color and temporarily blanches with pressure. The rash is not itchy or painful. The rash is not contagious, and it lasts for one to two days and does not return.

Older children who develop HHV-6 (or HHV-7) infection are more likely to have an illness characterized by several days of high fever and possibly runny nose and diarrhea. Older children less commonly develop a rash as the fever abates.

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