A 9-month-old girl is brought to the physician by her mother because of a generalized nonpruritic rash for 2 days. The rash began on her trunk and spread to her extremities. Five days ago, she was taken to the emergency department for fever of 40.5°C (104.9°F) and a 1-minute generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The mother says the fever resolved abruptly. The patient was born at term and has no history of serious illness. Her immunizations are up-to-date. Current medications include acetaminophen. Her temperature is 37.2°C (99.0°F) and pulse is 120/min. Examination shows a maculopapular rash that blanches on pressure. Posterior auricular lymphadenopathy is present. Infection with which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Human herpesvirus 6 infection (roseola) classically presents with fever for 3-5 days followed by a truncal rash.  It is also the most common cause of febrile seizures.

A 9-Month-Old Girl Is Brought to the Physician by Her