Fifth Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The fifth disease is a viral infection that causes a distinctive red rash on the face and body. Also known as erythema infectiosum and slapped cheek disease, it mostly affects children, but adults can also contract it. Most often, it is a mild and self-limiting illness that does not require any specific treatment. However, in some situations, it can cause serious complications, particularly in pregnant women or in those with weak immune systems.
Causes of Fifth Disease
The fifth disease is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. The virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and mother-fetus transmission during pregnancy, as well as respiratory droplets, such as saliva, mucus, or sputum, which are spread by infected people. It is most contagious a week before the rash appears, when the infected person may be experiencing flu-like symptoms. Once the rash appears, it is usually no longer contagious.
Symptoms of Fifth Disease
The symptoms of fifth disease vary depending on the age and immune status of the person. The most common symptom in children is a bright red rash that appears first on the cheeks, giving the appearance of slapped cheeks. Arms, legs, trunk, and buttocks may become itchy and have a lacy or reticular pattern. The rash can last for several weeks. It may come and go with changes in the temperature or sunlight exposure.
Before the rash appears, some children may have mild flu-like symptoms, such as:
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Fever
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Headache
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Sore throat
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Runny nose
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Nausea
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Fatigue
However, some children may have no symptoms at all and may only be diagnosed by the rash.
Adults may not experience the same rash and may have a subtler rash. Instead, the main symptom is joint pain and swelling, particularly in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. In addition to the joint pain lasting several weeks or months, some adults may also experience flu-like symptoms similar to those seen in children.
Complications of Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is usually a benign condition that does not cause any long-term problems. However, in some cases, it can lead to serious complications, such as:
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A drop in hemoglobin levels can occur as a result of Parvovirus B19, which can temporarily stop the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Anemia symptoms include weakness, paleness, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. People with chronic blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, are more likely to develop anemia.
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Infection of the fetus by Parvovirus B19 can occur during pregnancy, causing severe anemia in the fetus and causing hydrops fetalis (a condition in which fluid accumulates in fetal tissues) or death of the fetus. If a mother becomes infected during the first half of pregnancy, her risk of fetal infection is higher.
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Suppression of the immune system: Parvovirus B19 can suppress the immune system, making it harder to fight off other infections. This can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems because of HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or organ transplants.
Diagnosis of Fifth Disease
Usually, fifth disease is diagnosed based on the rash and clinical history. A blood test may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of rash or joint pain. It can detect antibodies to parvovirus B19 or measure hemoglobin levels.
Treatment of Fifth Disease
There is no specific treatment for fifth disease. The infection usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. The treatment mainly focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing complications.
Some of the measures that can help include:
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Resting and drinking plenty of fluids
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Taking over-the-counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen) to reduce fever and joint pain
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Applying cool compresses or calamine lotion to soothe the rash
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Avoiding sun exposure or wearing sunscreen to prevent worsening of the rash
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Seeking medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent or if there are signs of anemia or fetal distress
Prevention of Fifth Disease
There is no vaccine or medication that can prevent fifth disease. However, some of the ways to reduce the risk of getting or spreading the infection include:
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Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
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Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
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Avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms of fifth disease
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Avoiding sharing food, drinks, utensils, or personal items with infected people
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Staying home from school or work until the rash is gone
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Pregnant women should avoid contact with people who have fifth disease or who work with children. They should also inform their doctor if they have been exposed to the virus or if they develop symptoms of fifth disease.
Summary
It is also known as erythema infectiosum, or slapped cheek disease. Infection with this virus causes a red rash on the face and body. It mainly affects children, but adults can also contract it. In most cases, it is a mild, self-limiting illness that does not require any specific treatment. However, in some cases, it can cause serious complications, especially for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals are the best ways to prevent fifth disease.
