What is fifth disease?
Fifth disease is one type of viral disease. It is caused by parvovirus B19. Children are mostly affected by this disease. Usually, a bright red rash appears on the cheeks of children. Hence it is also known as slap cheek syndrome.
The good part is once anyone gets this virus, it is very unlikely to get it again in their lifetime. The fifth disease is called the fifth disease because it was the fifth viral rash disease to affect the children.
The other viral rash diseases are:
- Measles
- Rubella is also known as German measles.
- Chickenpox.
- Roseola: called the sixth disease. It is caused by human herpes 6 (HH6).
Can adults get fifth disease?
The fifth disease can happen in adults also. In the case of adults, the symptoms are very mild. Joint pain and swelling is a common feature seen among them. Some of them have a mild rash, some of them have no symptoms at all.
Pregnant women who are not infected with the illness before must carry precautions regarding this. They should avoid contact with the persons infected with the parvo B19 virus. It is a matter of fact that it can infect the unborn fetus. Though no birth defects have been reported.
Two to ten percent of pregnant women infected with the B19 virus can suffer from severe anemia and death of the fetus (hydrops fetalis) can occur. Normal antenatal routine checkup doesn’t include the screening of parvo B19.
Mode of infection
The fifth disease caused by the parvo B19 virus spreads by droplets. When a person coughs or sneezes, droplets infect others.
After the appearance of rashes, the person is no longer contagious to others. Hence there is no need for social isolation.
Symptoms and signs of the fifth disease
- Low–grade fever
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Malaise
- After one week of development of bright red rash; followed by the symptoms mentioned above. This is the characteristic phenomenon that separates it from other viral diseases.
- After three to five days of fine, the lacy rash may develop in the rest of the body. It may last a few days. By this time other symptoms may disappear.
- Like other viral diseases, the fifth disease doesn’t typically involve the soles and palms of the patient.
- Swelling of hands and feet may occur.
Prevention
- Like other viral illnesses, frequent hand washings put a barrier in spreading the disease.
- During coughing and sneezing one must cover his/ her face.
- Work from home Incase of adults.
- Children should stay home, avoid going to school.
Treatment
- There is no specific treatment available. Only supportive treatment is present.
- Plenty of fluid and rest give relief to the patient.
- Over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen can be used.
- Children must avoid taking aspirin as it increases the development of Reye’s syndrome.
