Roseola Causes & Risks

Causes

Roseola is usually caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). It can also be caused by human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). These viruses are not the same as the herpes viruses that cause cold sores or genital herpes .

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for roseola include:

• Age: 6 months to 3 years; most common between 6 months and 15 months
• Contact with an infected child is rarely reported