Published: 2013-06-21 years Updated: 2021-11-06
Author: Thomas C. Weiss | Contact: Disabled-World.com
Peer-reviewed publications: N / A
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Summary: Human parvovirus or Fifth Disease is a mild rash caused by parvovirus B19, also known as rosacea. The first symptoms of fifth disease are usually nonspecific and quite mild. These include fever, runny nose, and headache. After a number of days, a red rash may appear on a person’s face, something commonly known as a slap cheek rash. People with fifth disease can also experience swelling and pain in their joints, known as ‘multiple patient syndrome’. Swelling and pain are more common in adults, especially women, than in children.
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Main announcement
Human parvovirus or ‘Fifth disease’ is a mild rash caused by parvovirus B19. This disease is also known as ‘erythema infection.’ Children get this disease more often than adults. A person usually becomes ill within 4-14 days of being infected with parvovirus B19. About 20% of children and adults infected with this virus will not experience any symptoms.
The first symptoms of fifth disease are usually nonspecific and quite mild. These include fever, runny nose, and headache. The fifth disease received its name because it ranks fifth in the historical classification list of common childhood skin rashes.
After a number of days, a red rash may appear on a person’s face, something commonly known as ‘cheek rash’. Rash is the most recognizable feature of fifth disease and is more common in children than adults. Some people may develop a second rash a few days later on their back, chest, buttocks, legs, or arms. The rash can be itchy, especially on the soles of a person’s feet. The rash can vary in intensity and may appear and disappear over a number of weeks. It usually goes away in 7-10 days, although it can last for several weeks. When the rash starts to go away, it may look a little loose.
People with fifth disease can also experience swelling and pain in their joints, known as ‘multiple patient syndrome’. Swelling and pain are more common in adults, especially women, than in children. Some adults with fifth disease may experience pain only in the joints, usually in the feet, knees or hands – with no other symptoms. The pain in their joints usually lasts 1-3 weeks, although it can last for months or even longer. The pain usually goes away without any long-term problems.
Fifth transmission
People with fifth disease are most contagious before they develop swollen and painful joints or a rash. Parvovirus B19 is spread through a person’s respiratory secretions such as phlegm, saliva, or nasal mucus when they sneeze or cough. They are most contagious when they seem like just the common cold and before they have swollen and painful joints or a rash. After a person develops a rash, they are most likely not contagious. It is usually safe for a person to return to work, or for a child to return to school or child care, if they have developed a fifth disease-related rash.
The infectious period of fifth disease is different from that of some other rashes. For example; People with measles can spread the measles virus when they have a rash. People with fifth disease with weakened immune systems can be contagious for longer periods of time. Fifth disease can also be transmitted through blood or blood products. An infected and pregnant woman can pass the virus to her baby.
Fifth disease diagnosis
Many times healthcare professionals can diagnose fifth disease simply by seeing the rash, ‘slapped cheek’ on a person’s face. Blood tests may also be done to determine if a person is susceptible or immune to parvovirus B19, or if they have been recently infected. After a person recovers from fifth disease, they develop immunity that would normally protect them from future parvovirus B19 infections.
Prevention of fifth disease
A number of different actions on your part can help reduce your risk of getting parvovirus B19. Similar actions can help you prevent infecting others if you are already infected. These actions include the following:
- Stay home when you are sick
- Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with infected people
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
Once a person has a fifth disease-related rash, they are most likely not contagious. At this point, it’s usually safe for them to return to work, school, or childcare. Pregnant women should be aware of the possible risks to their baby and talk to their doctor. Healthcare professionals and others should follow strict infection control practices to prevent parvovirus B19 from spreading to others.
Fifth disease treatment
Thursday the illness is usually mild and will resolve on its own. Healthy children and adults usually make a full recovery. Treatment usually involves relieving the symptoms a person experiences such as itching, fever, joint swelling, and pain. People experiencing complications from fifth disease should see their healthcare provider for further medical treatment. There is no medicine or vaccine that can unfortunately prevent infection with parvovirus B19.
Fifth disease is usually mild in both children and healthy adults. However, for some people, fifth disease causes serious health complications. People with weakened immune systems due to cancer, leukemia, HIV infection, or a transplant are at increased risk for serious complications. For these populations, fifth disease can cause chronic anemia requiring additional medical treatment.
Author credentials:
Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses for a Master’s, Bachelor’s and two Associate’s degrees, as well as studying Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant, Thomas has supported people of many racial, religious, gender, class and age groups by providing care to people with all forms of disabilities. disability from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson’s; paralysis and quadriplegia for spina bifida.
Disability World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their families and/or carers. . Check out our homepage for helpful news, reviews, sports, stories and guides. You can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disability World on our about us page.
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Disability World provides general information only. The documents presented are never meant to be a substitute for the professional medical care of a qualified physician, and they should not be construed as such. Financial assistance is obtained from advertisements or referral programs, if specified. Any 3rd party offers or advertisements do not constitute an endorsement.
• Citation of this Page (APA): Thomas C. Weiss. (2013, June 21). Parvovirus B19 in humans (Fifth disease). The world of people with disabilities. Accessed October 28, 2022 from www.disabled-world.com/health/fifth-disease.php
• Permalinks: Human Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease)
