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Parvovirus infection is a prevalent and highly contagious childhood illness often referred to as slapped-cheek disease due to the recognizable facial rash it causes. Historically, it was termed fifth disease as it ranked fifth among common childhood illnesses characterized by a rash.
While most children experience mild symptoms requiring minimal treatment, the infection can pose serious risks for certain adults. Pregnant women infected with parvovirus may face significant health complications for the fetus, and individuals with specific types of anemia or compromised immune systems are at greater risk for severe illness.
Symptoms
Symptoms in children:
- Early signs: Fever, upset stomach, headache, runny nose.
- Distinctive facial rash: Several days into the illness, a bright red rash may emerge on both cheeks, eventually spreading to other areas like the arms, trunk, thighs, and buttocks. The rash typically has a pink, lacy, slightly raised appearance and may itch, especially on the soles of the feet. It can be mistaken for other viral rashes or medication-related rashes. The rash may come and go for up to three weeks, becoming more prominent in extreme temperatures or sunlight exposure.
Symptoms in adults:
In adults, parvovirus B19 infection typically manifests as flu-like symptoms, with a notable absence of the distinctive rash seen in children. Additionally, around 80% of infected adults commonly report joint pain, predominantly affecting the wrists, hands, and knees.
When to seek medical attention:
Generally, parvovirus infection doesn’t necessitate a doctor’s visit. However, individuals with underlying conditions that may increase the risk of complications should consult a healthcare professional. Such conditions include sickle cell anemia, impaired immune systems, and pregnancy.
Causes
Human parvovirus B19 is responsible for parvovirus infection, which differs from the strain affecting dogs and cats, making transmission between humans and pets impossible. This infection mainly affects elementary school-age children, especially during winter and spring outbreaks, but it can occur in individuals of any age at any time of the year. Transmission is similar to that of a cold, primarily through respiratory droplets, coughing, and saliva, facilitating spread through close interpersonal and hand-to-hand contact. Additionally, transmission can occur through blood, with pregnant women capable of passing the virus to their unborn babies. The contagious period lasts until the week before the onset of the characteristic rash, typically appearing four to 14 days after infection with parvovirus B19. Once the rash emerges, the individual or child is no longer contagious, eliminating the need for isolation.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers typically diagnose fifth disease based on your child’s symptoms, particularly noting the presence of the characteristic “slapped cheek” rash. When accompanied by flu-like symptoms, this rash is a strong indicator of the condition, often allowing for a diagnosis in the office without the need for additional tests. In rare instances, blood tests may be ordered by the provider to confirm the diagnosis of fifth disease.
Treatment
Symptoms of fifth disease usually resolve within a few weeks with minimal or no intervention. The healthcare provider may suggest over the counter (OTC) pain relievers to address fever, headaches, and joint pain. In some cases, patients with severe anemia may be required to stay in the hospital and get blood transfusions. Immunoglobulin injections can provide antibodies to treat infections in people with compromised immune systems.
It may also no longer necessary to keep the sick child isolated. The presence of parvovirus infection becomes apparent only when the rash shows up, and by then, the child is no longer contagious.
- Self–care: Ensure that children gets enough sleep and consumes a lot of water. Over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be prescribed to minimize discomfort and manage flu-like symptoms.
Although aspirin is safe to use in kids over three, it should never be given to kids or teenagers who are recovering from the flu or chickenpox. This is due to the fact that aspirin has been connected to Reye’s syndrome in these children, a rare but possibly fatal illness.
