Boston exanthem disease: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Boston exanthem disease | |||
| synonyms = [[Epidemic exanthem]], [[Epidemic roseola]] | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Fever]], [[rash]], [[sore throat]], [[headache]] | |||
| complications = Rarely [[encephalitis]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = 3-5 days | |||
| causes = [[Echovirus]] infection | |||
| risks = Close contact with infected individuals | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[serology]] | |||
| differential = [[Measles]], [[rubella]], [[roseola]], [[scarlet fever]] | |||
| prevention = Good [[hygiene]], avoiding contact with infected individuals | |||
| treatment = Supportive care, [[antipyretics]] | |||
| prognosis = Excellent, self-limiting | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Boston exanthem disease''', also known as '''Boston fever''' or '''sixth disease''', is a viral infection primarily affecting children. Characterized by its distinctive rash, fever, and flu-like symptoms, it is caused by the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and, less commonly, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). This disease is part of the group of illnesses commonly referred to as the [[exanthematous diseases]], which also includes measles, rubella, and roseola, among others. | '''Boston exanthem disease''', also known as '''Boston fever''' or '''sixth disease''', is a viral infection primarily affecting children. Characterized by its distinctive rash, fever, and flu-like symptoms, it is caused by the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and, less commonly, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). This disease is part of the group of illnesses commonly referred to as the [[exanthematous diseases]], which also includes measles, rubella, and roseola, among others. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
Boston exanthem disease is primarily caused by two closely related viruses: [[human herpesvirus 6]] (HHV-6) and [[human herpesvirus 7]] (HHV-7). These viruses are part of the [[Herpesviridae]] family, which includes other viruses responsible for conditions such as [[genital herpes]], [[chickenpox]], and [[mononucleosis]]. HHV-6 is further divided into two variants: HHV-6A and HHV-6B, with the latter being more commonly associated with Boston exanthem disease. | Boston exanthem disease is primarily caused by two closely related viruses: [[human herpesvirus 6]] (HHV-6) and [[human herpesvirus 7]] (HHV-7). These viruses are part of the [[Herpesviridae]] family, which includes other viruses responsible for conditions such as [[genital herpes]], [[chickenpox]], and [[mononucleosis]]. HHV-6 is further divided into two variants: HHV-6A and HHV-6B, with the latter being more commonly associated with Boston exanthem disease. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The initial presentation of the disease often includes a high fever that lasts for three to five days, followed by a sudden rash as the fever subsides. The rash is typically pink or red and may have small flat spots or raised lesions. It usually starts on the trunk and then spreads to the limbs and neck but rarely affects the face. Other symptoms may include irritability, mild diarrhea, coughing, and swollen lymph nodes. | The initial presentation of the disease often includes a high fever that lasts for three to five days, followed by a sudden rash as the fever subsides. The rash is typically pink or red and may have small flat spots or raised lesions. It usually starts on the trunk and then spreads to the limbs and neck but rarely affects the face. Other symptoms may include irritability, mild diarrhea, coughing, and swollen lymph nodes. | ||
==Transmission== | ==Transmission== | ||
Boston exanthem disease is contagious and can be spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or the tears of an infected person. It can also be transmitted via airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes. Mothers can transmit the virus to their infants during childbirth. The disease is most contagious during the febrile phase before the rash appears. | Boston exanthem disease is contagious and can be spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or the tears of an infected person. It can also be transmitted via airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes. Mothers can transmit the virus to their infants during childbirth. The disease is most contagious during the febrile phase before the rash appears. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of Boston exanthem disease is primarily based on the clinical presentation of fever followed by a rash. Laboratory tests, including serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can confirm the presence of HHV-6 or HHV-7. However, these tests are not routinely performed unless complications arise or the diagnosis is uncertain. | Diagnosis of Boston exanthem disease is primarily based on the clinical presentation of fever followed by a rash. Laboratory tests, including serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can confirm the presence of HHV-6 or HHV-7. However, these tests are not routinely performed unless complications arise or the diagnosis is uncertain. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Boston exanthem disease. Management focuses on symptomatic relief, such as fever reduction with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and ensuring adequate hydration. Antiviral therapy may be considered in severe cases or for immunocompromised patients. | There is no specific antiviral treatment for Boston exanthem disease. Management focuses on symptomatic relief, such as fever reduction with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and ensuring adequate hydration. Antiviral therapy may be considered in severe cases or for immunocompromised patients. | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
While most children recover without any long-term effects, complications can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Complications may include encephalitis, hepatitis, and, rarely, a condition known as [[hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis]] (HLH), which is a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome. | While most children recover without any long-term effects, complications can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Complications may include encephalitis, hepatitis, and, rarely, a condition known as [[hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis]] (HLH), which is a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
There is currently no vaccine available for the prevention of Boston exanthem disease. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, are the best methods to reduce the risk of transmission. | There is currently no vaccine available for the prevention of Boston exanthem disease. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, are the best methods to reduce the risk of transmission. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Boston exanthem disease is a global disease, with cases reported in various parts of the world. It primarily affects infants and young children, with the majority of infections occurring in those under two years of age. Most children have been exposed to HHV-6 by the age of three. | Boston exanthem disease is a global disease, with cases reported in various parts of the world. It primarily affects infants and young children, with the majority of infections occurring in those under two years of age. Most children have been exposed to HHV-6 by the age of three. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The disease was first identified in Boston in the 1940s, hence the name Boston exanthem disease. It was initially thought to be a form of rubella or measles due to the similar rash. The viral cause, HHV-6, was not identified until the 1980s. | The disease was first identified in Boston in the 1940s, hence the name Boston exanthem disease. It was initially thought to be a form of rubella or measles due to the similar rash. The viral cause, HHV-6, was not identified until the 1980s. | ||
[[Category:Viral diseases]] | [[Category:Viral diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:57, 4 April 2025
| Boston exanthem disease | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Epidemic exanthem, Epidemic roseola |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fever, rash, sore throat, headache |
| Complications | Rarely encephalitis |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Echovirus infection |
| Risks | Close contact with infected individuals |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, serology |
| Differential diagnosis | Measles, rubella, roseola, scarlet fever |
| Prevention | Good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals |
| Treatment | Supportive care, antipyretics |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Excellent, self-limiting |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Boston exanthem disease, also known as Boston fever or sixth disease, is a viral infection primarily affecting children. Characterized by its distinctive rash, fever, and flu-like symptoms, it is caused by the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and, less commonly, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). This disease is part of the group of illnesses commonly referred to as the exanthematous diseases, which also includes measles, rubella, and roseola, among others.
Etiology[edit]
Boston exanthem disease is primarily caused by two closely related viruses: human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). These viruses are part of the Herpesviridae family, which includes other viruses responsible for conditions such as genital herpes, chickenpox, and mononucleosis. HHV-6 is further divided into two variants: HHV-6A and HHV-6B, with the latter being more commonly associated with Boston exanthem disease.
Symptoms[edit]
The initial presentation of the disease often includes a high fever that lasts for three to five days, followed by a sudden rash as the fever subsides. The rash is typically pink or red and may have small flat spots or raised lesions. It usually starts on the trunk and then spreads to the limbs and neck but rarely affects the face. Other symptoms may include irritability, mild diarrhea, coughing, and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission[edit]
Boston exanthem disease is contagious and can be spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or the tears of an infected person. It can also be transmitted via airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes. Mothers can transmit the virus to their infants during childbirth. The disease is most contagious during the febrile phase before the rash appears.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of Boston exanthem disease is primarily based on the clinical presentation of fever followed by a rash. Laboratory tests, including serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can confirm the presence of HHV-6 or HHV-7. However, these tests are not routinely performed unless complications arise or the diagnosis is uncertain.
Treatment[edit]
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Boston exanthem disease. Management focuses on symptomatic relief, such as fever reduction with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and ensuring adequate hydration. Antiviral therapy may be considered in severe cases or for immunocompromised patients.
Complications[edit]
While most children recover without any long-term effects, complications can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Complications may include encephalitis, hepatitis, and, rarely, a condition known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which is a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome.
Prevention[edit]
There is currently no vaccine available for the prevention of Boston exanthem disease. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, are the best methods to reduce the risk of transmission.
Epidemiology[edit]
Boston exanthem disease is a global disease, with cases reported in various parts of the world. It primarily affects infants and young children, with the majority of infections occurring in those under two years of age. Most children have been exposed to HHV-6 by the age of three.
History[edit]
The disease was first identified in Boston in the 1940s, hence the name Boston exanthem disease. It was initially thought to be a form of rubella or measles due to the similar rash. The viral cause, HHV-6, was not identified until the 1980s.
