Parvovirus Infection(Fifth Disease)
Introduction
Parvovirus infection is also commonly called fifth disease because it was fifth of a group of once-common childhood diseases that all have similar rashes.Doctors today refer to it as parvovirus infection or erythema infectiosum. Some people may call it slapped-cheek disease because of the face rash that develops resembling slap marks. The other four diseases are measles, rubella, scarlet fever and Dukes' disease.
Whatever the name, parvovirus infection is still a common but mild infection in children that generally requires little treatment. However, parvovirus infection in some pregnant women can lead to serious health problems for the fetus. Parvovirus infection is also more serious for adults with some kinds of anemia or who have a compromised immune system.
Signs and Symptoms
Most children with parvovirus infection feel well. Some develop mild, cold-like signs and symptoms early in the illness:
- Sore throat
- Slight fever
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Itching
Generally the rash occurs near the end of the illness. It's possible to mistake the rash for other viral rashes or a medicine-related rash. Infants and toddlers develop the same signs and symptoms that school-age children do.
The initial symptoms typically last five to 10 days. The rash may come and go for up to three weeks, becoming more visible when a child is exposed to extreme temperatures or spends time in the sun.
In adults, the most prominent symptom of parvovirus infection is joint soreness (arthralgia), lasting days to weeks. Joints most commonly affected are the hands, wrists, knees and ankles.
Parvovirus infection can also occur without any signs or symptoms in either children or adults.
Causes
The human parvovirus B19 causes parvovirus infection. This isn't the same as the parvovirus seen in dogs and cats, so you can't get the infection from a pet or vice versa. Parvovirus B19 is most common among elementary school-age children during outbreaks in the winter and spring months, but anyone can become ill with it any time of the year. It spreads from person to person, just like a cold, often through respiratory secretions and hand-to-hand contact. The illness is contagious in the week before the rash appears. Once the rash appears, the person with the illness is no longer considered contagious and doesn't need to be isolated.
Treatment
For a noncomplicated parvovirus infectionn, self-care treatment at home is generally sufficient. The rash itself doesn't need treatment.
People with severe anemia may need to be hospitalized and receive blood transfusions. Those with weakened immune systems may receive antibodies (immune globulin) to treat the infection.
If you're pregnant and develop parvovirus infection, your doctor may wish to monitor possible effects on your baby. Treatments may include blood transfusions and medications if your baby has anemia, congestive heart failure or edema.
Prevention
There's no vaccine to prevent parvovirus infection. Washing your hands and your child's hands frequently may help diminish the chances of getting an infection. Throw away used tissues immediately after use — wash your hands after handling them.
Informations obtained from National Institute of Health.