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What
is fifth disease?
Fifth
disease is a viral infection which often affects red blood
cells. It is caused by a human parvovirus (B19). For many
years, fifth disease was viewed as an unimportant rash illness
of children. Recently, studies have shown that the virus
may be responsible for serious complications in certain
individuals.
Who
gets fifth disease?
Anyone
can be infected, but the disease seems to occur more often
in elementary school-age children.
How
is the virus spread?
The
virus is spread by exposure to airborne droplets from the
nose and throat of infected people.
What
are the symptoms and when do they appear?
Four
to twenty (4-20) days after exposure, some children will
experience a low grade fever and tiredness. By the third
week, a red rash generally appears on the cheeks giving
a "slapped face" appearance. The rash may then
extend to the body and tends to fade and reappear. Sometimes,
the rash is lacy in appearance and may be itchy. Some children
may have vague signs of illness or no symptoms at all.
When
and for how long is a person able to spread the disease?
People
with fifth disease appear to be contagious during the week
prior to the appearance of the rash. By the time the rash
is evident, the person is probably beyond the contagious
period.
How
is fifth disease diagnosed?
In
most cases, the disease is diagnosed based on the appearance
of typical symptoms. A specific blood test to confirm the
diagnosis has recently become available but is not necessary
in healthy children.
Does
past infection with the virus make a person immune?
It
is thought that people who have been previously infected
acquire long-term or lifelong immunity. Studies have shown
that more than 50 percent of adults are immune to parvovirus
B19.
What
is the treatment?
At
this time, there is no specific treatment.
What
are the complications associated with fifth disease?
While
there is no evidence that parvovirus B19 infection is a
significant cause of fetal defects, some studies have shown
that infection may increase risk of miscarriage or spontaneous
abortion. In people with chronic red blood cell disorders,
such as sickle-cell disease, infection may result in severe
anemia. Infection has also been associated with arthritis
in adults.
What
can be done to prevent the spread of fifth disease?
Measures
to effectively control fifth disease have not been developed
yet. During outbreaks in schools, pregnant school employees
and people with chronic red blood cell disorders should
consult their physician and the local or state health department
for advice.
What
should I do if I am exposed to a child with fifth disease
during my pregnancy?
If
you are exposed to a case or develop symptoms of fifth disease
while pregnant, you should consult your doctor.
Where
can I call for additional information regarding fifth disease
and pregnancy?
In
addition to your doctor, information can be obtained from
your local health department or the Utah Department of Health,
Bureau of Epidemiology (801) 538-6191.
UTAH
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
BUREAU OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
August 2001 |
