Infant Development Study

Pediatricians Study the Effects of the Roseola Virus

“Rochester is the only location in the nation where this study is being conducted, so it represents a unique opportunity for the community to improve not only our children’s lives, but the lives of children throughout the world.”

—Dr. Mary Caserta and Dr. Caroline Hall, study investigators

A baby changes your life. Now, you and your baby have a chance to change the lives of families in your community and even throughout the world, by becoming involved in a very important study.

Pediatricians from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester are excited about leading a 3.7 million dollar study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study focuses on the roseola virus and the effects it may have on child development. All children get the roseola virus by the time they are 3 years of age, and this study will help determine if the age when children get this infection in some way affects their development.

If you are pregnant, about to have a baby, or are the parent of a newborn, you can make an important contribution to this study. Together with your participation, we can make discoveries that may help reduce the risk of developmental disabilities for future generations.

To help out with this study, you will assist us as we play certain games with your baby and get his or her reactions when looking at various pictures. These games are fun for both you and your baby, and will allow us to gather information about your child's development.