clinical features

Last reviewed 01/2018

After an incubation period of 10 to 15 days clinical features include:

  • pyrexia
  • mild pharyngitis
  • lymphadenopathy

Temperature returns to normal after 3-4 days, accompanied by the appearance of a rose-pink macular rash. Initially, involving the trunk, the rash may spread to the face and extremities. The exanthem is prominent over the thighs and buttocks, where each macule is sometimes surrounded by a fine halo. It disappears within two days without desquamation or pigmentation.

Uncommonly, the child develops febrile convulsions. Otherwise, there is full recovery.