Smileband health topics

Article by idaz medical, 

 Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, is a mild rash illness caused by parvovirus B19. It is more common in children than adults.

Symptoms may include:

• fever
• runny nose
• headache
• "slapped cheek" rash on the face
• rash on rest of body
• polyarthropathy syndrome.

Some adults may only have painful joints and no other symptoms. The joint pain usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks, but it can last for months or longer.

Generally, there are not serious complications but those with weakened immune systems may have chronic anemia which could require medical treatment.

Transmission 
Transmission occurs through contact with respiratory secretions from an infected individual.

Transmission can also occur through blood or blood products. A pregnant woman who is infected with parvovirus B19 can pass the virus to her baby.

The incubation period is 4 to 14 days.

Lab Tests & Specimen Info
Healthcare providers can often diagnose fifth disease just by seeing "slapped cheek" rash on a patient's face.

Test*	Specimen
PCR	Whole Blood
IgG/IgM Serology (IgM antibodies are detectable 2 weeks after exposure, IgG antibodies are usually created 18 to 24 days after exposure)	Serum

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