What's Going Around: Fifth disease
A rash illness caused by the parvovirus is being seen in higher numbers this week. Fifth disease, or parvovirus B19, is known for its characteristic red rash, typically on the face. Dr. Bruce Thompson, pediatrician with The Children's Clinic in Lake Charles, says fifth disease affects more children than adults.
"A lot of them will start with real red cheeks like somebody slapped them, what we call 'slapped cheeks,'" said Dr. Thompson, "and then they can get a lacy-type rash on their arms and legs and trunk. It can come and go for several weeks."
Once the rash is there, fifth disease is no longer contagious. The virus is contagious before the rash, joint pain, or swelling associated with the illness appears. "Most of them don't have a lot of symptoms beforehand, as far as fever, discomfort, and then once they develop the rash, which is a tell-tale sign, they're not contagious at that point," said Dr. Thompson.
Children do not tend to have as many symptoms as adults with fifth disease. "Adults can have fever, a lot of them can complain of joint pains," said Dr. Thompson, "so it seems to be a little more symptomatic in adults."
Dr. Thompson explains how parvovirus B19 is spread. "Usually it's just more respiratory, from breathing, coughing on one another or even from drinking after one another."
You can reduce your chance of being infected or infecting others by washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and staying home when you are sick.
Fifth disease is usually mild and will go away on its own. Treatment is for the symptoms, like fever, itching and joint pain.
A pregnant woman who is infected with parvovirus B19 can pass the virus to her baby, so it is very important that she see her doctor.
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