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Roseola (roseola infantum) is a mild illness caused by a virus. It is generally harmless and is most common in children 6 months to 2 years of age. It is rare after age 4. Roseola is caused by two common viruses.
Who is most at risk of a roseola infection? Roseola usually affects children from six months to three years of age. Although it is not common, roseola can sometimes occur before six months of age. Newborn babies are not at high risk for roseola because of the antibodies they receive from their mothers.