A Study of Viral Causes of Fever with Rash in Children

Background: Fever with rash is common among children and is seen by both dermatologists and pediatricians. The various causes of fever with rash in children include viral infections, bacterial infections, rickettsial species, collagen vascular diseases, and drug hypersensitivity rash. Viral exanthems are by far the most common cause of fever with rash in children. Common viral etiologies are measles, rubella, varicella, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, human herpes virus 6, human herpes virus 7, Epstein-Barr virus, coxsackie, dengue, chikungunya, influenza A and B, and hepatitis B. Aims: The study aimed to study the magnitude of various viral causes of fever with rash in children and to study the various morphological patterns of rash. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based observational study which included 90 children presenting to the dermatology and pediatrics outpatient department with fever and rash. Immunoglobulin M antibody testing for measles, rubella, varicella, HSV, chikungunya virus, dengue virus, and hepatitis B virus was done. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 virus was done when suspected. Results: The most common etiology of fever with rash was viral (51.1%). Out of all viruses isolated, measles was the most common (15.55%), followed by Chikungunya (14.44%). Maculopapular rash was the most common morphology of rash (40%) found in patients. Among the patients having maculopapular rash, measles was the most common virus isolated. Conclusion: Viral exanthems should be considered a strong differential in all children presenting with fever and rash.