Expert explains parvovirus B19, a common childhood infection

Parvovirus B19 is the reason for fifth illness, a light rash sometimes seen in kids, though adults can contract the virus. Parvovirus B19 impacts solely people. You possibly can’t contract it or transmit it to canines or cats. Nonetheless, totally different parvoviruses can have an effect on pets.

“Fifth disease is a comparatively widespread an infection in childhood,” says Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious illnesses doctor with the Mayo Clinic Kids’s Middle. “It has a number of names. It is brought on by a virus known as parvovirus B19.”

For many children, signs are delicate.

“The most typical signs that kids will normally have with this an infection are fever, possibly some runny nose after which a attribute rash that normally turns their cheeks vivid crimson, after which they could develop a extra type of lacy-looking rash on their extremities and trunk,” she says.

Adults contaminated with parvovirus 19 might have totally different signs than kids.

Joint ache or swelling is much less widespread however extra frequent in adults. The virus can also briefly cease the physique from making new crimson blood cells, resulting in anemia. Individuals with sickle cell disease and weakened immune methods are at increased threat.

Dr. Rajapakse says parvovirus B19 spreads by respiratory secretions, corresponding to contact with droplets from an contaminated particular person’s cough or sneeze.

The virus can unfold by blood and from a pregnant woman to her little one. If a pregnant particular person suspects publicity to parvovirus B19, they need to inform their well being care staff as quickly as attainable as a result of potential uncommon fetal issues if the mom lacks immunity.

“Parvovirus B19 is a viral an infection that’s fairly widespread in childhood. When you take a look at them, most adults present indicators that that they had this an infection after they have been a toddler,” says Dr. Rajapakse. “The rash normally is not inflicting too many signs, so it does not want any particular remedy. And because the kid’s physique fights off the virus, the rash normally resolves together with that.”

Prevention

There aren’t any vaccines or drugs to forestall an infection, however there are methods to scale back your probabilities of getting contaminated or transmitting the an infection to others.

• Wash your palms usually with cleaning soap and water for no less than 20 seconds.
• Observe good hand hygiene by overlaying your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth.
• Keep away from shut contact with people who find themselves sick.
• Keep residence and keep away from others if you end up sick.

Parvovirus B19 impacts solely people. You possibly can’t contract it or transmit it to canines or cats. Nonetheless, totally different parvoviruses can have an effect on pets.

Fifth illness, or erythema infectiosum, bought its title from being the fifth in an inventory of childhood sicknesses recognized for inflicting a rash, in accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC).

Within the U.S., the virus peaks in winter and spring. The CDC reviews mini outbreaks each three to 4 years.