Life Vitamins

Erythema Infectiosum is a viral illness characterized by a mild rash. It is caused by the Parvovirus B 19. As it occurs at the fifth position in the numerical classification of rash-associated childhood diseases, it is known as the 5th disease. About 50% of the adult population has been infected with the virus, but has no remembrance of it as the disease often presents no symptoms.

Although 5th's commonly affects children in the age group of 4 to 10 years, it can also affect adults. The Parvovirus B 19 is active in late winter or early spring and so people are infected in that period.

The initial symptoms of the syndrome include an unwell feeling and a low-grade fever. During this initial phase the disease is contagious. In a week's time thereafter, a bright red rash appears across the cheeks, a trifle reminiscent of a slapped cheek. This slapped cheek effect is characteristic of the illness.

This is why 5th disease is also known as the slapped cheek disease. After an additional three to four days have elapsed, a fine net like rash appears over the rest of the body. Once the rash appears, the disease is no longer contagious.

The net like rash may last for five to seven days. Often it may happen that the rash will sometimes appear and go away many times in a span that may stretch upto a maximum of three weeks. The initial symptoms are gone by the time the rash appears. As with most viral illnesses, the symptoms, features, and timing of the disease are unpredictable.

In most children affected by it, the illness is quite mild in nature. However, in about 50% of adults and 5% of children affected by the disease, pains and joint aches are also present. These symptoms are more commonly found in women patients than in males. They usually last for some days or weeks. However, they may last for months together.

People who have pains and joint aches have stiffness in the morning. Same joints on both sides of the body swell up and become red. Commonly involved joints include wrists, fingers, and knees.

In some patients of 5th disease, serious complications may occur. Their bone marrow stops the production of a normal number of red blood cells. This temporary complication occurs rarely, but can cause death. Patients, whose immune defence system has become weak, tend to have this complication.

It is important for pregnant women to not come into contact with patients of 5th disease. This is because in the initial contagious phase of the disease, the fetus can be infected before its birth. The disease can cause death of the fetus in 2 to 10% of pregnant women, who have been infected by the virus, although in others no birth defects are observed.

Treatment for 5th disease is mostly supportive. Fluid s intake, proper rest, and acetaminophen are important. Painkillers provide symptomatic relief in joint pain.