Roseola typically affects children under what age?

• A. Under 1 year
• B. Under 5 years
• C. Under 10 years
• D. Any age

Answer: (B)

Roseola is a common viral illness of young children. It typically affects those under five years old, with most cases seen in infancy and the toddler years. A classic picture is a sudden high fever for a few days that resolves, followed by a pinkish maculopapular rash as the fever breaks. It’s caused by human herpesvirus 6 (often HHV-6B) and usually runs a benign, self-limited course with supportive care. Because the disease predominantly occurs before age five, that option best fits; other age ranges either exclude most cases or are too broad to capture the typical distribution.