What is HHV-6?
Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6) is a β-herpes virus which was first isolated in 1986 from the peripheral blood of 6 patients with a variety of lymphoproliferative disorders, some of whom had AIDS. The virus has worldwide distribution with infection generally occuring within the first two years of life. It is the cause of childhood illnesses known as “6th Disease” or “Roseola Infantum”. The symptoms of this primary infection may begin with the child experiencing a sudden high fever (39 – 40oC). This sudden rise in temperature can in some cases lead to febrile convulsions. After a few days, the fever subsides and a red rash appears on the child’s body. The rash disappears within twenty four hours.It is estimated that HHV-6 is the single most common cause (10 – 40%) of children presenting to hospitals with a rash.After the primary infection, the virus establishes a dormant latent infection in the individual for life. Re-activation of the virus can occur if the individual becomes immuno-compr
Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6) is a β-herpes virus which was first isolated in 1986 from the peripheral blood of 6 patients with a variety of lymphoproliferative disorders, some of whom had AIDS. The virus has worldwide distribution with infection generally occuring within the first two years of life. It is the cause of childhood illnesses known as “6th Disease” or “Roseola Infantum”. The symptoms of this primary infection may begin with the child experiencing a sudden high fever (39 – 40oC). This sudden rise in temperature can in some cases lead to febrile convulsions. After a few days, the fever subsides and a red rash appears on the child’s body. The rash disappears within twenty four hours. It is estimated that HHV-6 is the single most common cause (10 – 40%) of children presenting to hospitals with a rash. After the primary infection, the virus establishes a dormant latent infection in the individual for life. Re-activation of the virus can occur if the individual becomes immuno-com
