Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is especially common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, typically produces a distinctive red rash
on the face, which appear to have a child makes a "slapped cheek." The rash then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs.
About Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is actually just a viral illness that most kids recover from quickly and without complications.
Fifth disease causes (also called erythema infectiosum) by parvovirus B19. A human virus, parvovirus B19, the
same parvovirus that veterinarians may be about in pets, especially dogs be affected, and it can not be passed from human
the animals, or vice versa.
Studies show that although 40% to 60% of adults worldwide have laboratory evidence of a past parvovirus B19 infection,
most can not remember, had symptoms of fifth disease. This leads medical experts believe that most people, with a
B19 infection have either very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Fifth disease occurs everywhere in the world. Outbreaks tend to happen in the late winter and early spring, but it can
sporadic cases of the disease throughout the year.
Signs and symptoms
Fifth disease begins with a low-grade fever, headache, and mild cold-like symptoms (a stuffy or runny nose). This
Symptoms occur, and the disease seems to have disappeared until a rash appears to be a few days later.
The bright red rash usually begins on the face. A few days later, the rash spreads and red blotches (usually lighter in
Color) extend down to the trunk, arms and legs. The rash usually spares the palms and soles. How
the centers of the spots begin to clarify the rash takes on a lacy net-like appearance. Children younger than 10 years old
are most likely to get the rash.
Older children and adults sometimes complain that the rash itches, but most children with a rash do not look sick and no longer
Have a fever. Certain stimuli (including sunlight, heat, exercise, and stress) may reactivate the rash until it completely
faded. There can be 1 to 3 weeks for the rash completely clear, and during this time it can seem to them deteriorate
finally faded completely.
Other symptoms that sometimes occur with fifth disease include swollen glands, red eyes, sore throat, diarrhea and
rarely, rashes look like blisters or bruises.
In some cases, especially in adults and older adolescents, a fifth attack of the disease followed by joint swelling or
Pain that often. In the hands, wrists, knees or ankles
Contagiousness
A person with parvovirus infection infectious before the rash appears - either during the incubation period (the
Time between infection and the onset of symptoms) or when experiencing only mild respiratory symptoms.
The rash is the result of an immune system response that occurs after the infection has passed, so that the children usually do not
contagious as soon as it appears.
Parvovirus B19 spreads easily from person to person in fluids from the nose, mouth and throat of someone with the
Infection, especially through large droplets from coughs and sneezes.
In households where a child slapped cheek, another family member who has not previously had parvovirus B19 as a
50% chance of the infection. Children with fifth disease may at child care or school because they are not
more contagious. Once infected with parvovirus B19, a person develops immunity to it and will not usually infected
again.
Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy can cause problems for the fetus. Some fetuses may develop severe anemia if the
Mother is infected during pregnancy - especially if the infection occurs during the first half of pregnancy. In some
Cases, this anemia is so severe that the fetus will not survive. Fortunately, about half of all pregnant women immune system
due to a previous infection with parvovirus. Serious problems can occur in less than 5% of women who become infected during
Pregnancy.
Prevention
There is no vaccine for fifth disease, and no real way to prevent the spread of the virus. Isolating someone with a fifth
Disease rash will not prevent spread of the infection because the person usually is not contagious by that time.
Practicing good hygiene, especially frequent hand washing is always a good idea because it can help prevent the spread of
many infections.
Incubation
The incubation period (the time between infection and the onset of symptoms) for fifth disease ranges 4-28 days
with an average of 16 to 17 days.
Time
The rash of fifth disease usually lasts from 1 through 3. In a few cases in older children and adults, joint swelling and pain
took account of the fifth illness of several months to several years.
Diagnosis
Doctors can usually diagnose fifth disease by the distinctive rash on the face and body. If a child or an adult has no
telltale rash but has been sick for a while, a doctor may do blood tests to see if the disease was caused by
Parvovirus B19.
Treatment
Fifth disease is caused by a virus, and it can not be treated with antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
Although antiviral drugs exist, are not currently available to treat fifth disease. In most cases, such a
mild illness that no medicine is necessary.
Children usually feel pretty good with fifth disease and need little home treatment other than rest. After the fever and
mild cold symptoms have passed, there may be little, except any discomfort from the rash to treat yourself.
If your child has itching from the rash of fifth disease, ask the doctor for advice about relieving discomfort. The
Doctor may also recommend acetaminophen for fever or joint pain.
Complications
The majority of children with fifth disease recover without complications. Appears at the time of the rash, and while it
Currently, they feel good and are usually pursue back to their normal activities.
However, some children with weakened immune systems (such as those with AIDS or leukemia) or with certain blood disorders
(How sickle cell anemia or hemolytic anemia) may significantly ill when they become infected with parvovirus B19. Parvovirus
B19 can temporarily slow down or stop the body's production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells (erythrocytes), which
Anemia.
If a child is healthy, this slowdown of RBC production usually goes unnoticed because they. Has no impact on the overall health
But some children may become anemic already sick if their RBC production is further affected by the virus. The RBC
Levels can fall dangerously low, the. The supply of oxygen to the tissues of the body
When to call the doctor
Call the doctor if your child develops a rash, especially if the rash has spread all over the body or in the company of other
Symptoms.
If you are pregnant and develop a skin rash, or if you are not someone with fifth disease (or anyone with an exposed
Unusual rash), call your doctor or midwife.