Technical Name: Parvovirus B19
OtherNames:
Erythema Infectiosum (EI)
5TH Disease
What is it? A viral illness
Symptoms and Course:
Typically starts with a fever and mild viral symptoms such as tiredness, headache and cold symptoms, then proceeds to a rash with slapped cheek appearance. Fever occurs in 15-30% of patient’s according to the AAP Red Book. The viral illness may occur a week before the rash. 10% of kids develop achiness of joints or true arthritis.
Spread: person to person via respiratory droplets, ie close contact
Incubation Period: 4 to 14 days, but sometimes up to 21 days, for initial illness with rash and joint symptoms occurring 2- 3 weeks later.
Diagnosis: usually clinical but a blood test can be done if needed.
Special Issues: there is often concern raised for pregnant women but risk of infection is very low given that most of us have likely been exposed during our lives. Pregnant women who are concerned about exposure should talk to their doctors about testing.
Treatment: supportive since illness is usually self-limited in it’s typical form
School Issues: Kids with the rash are not contagious and may return to school and participate in activities.
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