Fifth disease

Overview

Fifth disease is an infectious disease caused by parvovirus B19 which mainly affects children and young people between the ages of 5 and 15. Asymptomatic or mild progression is normal. Typical symptoms include a slight fever and a rash on the cheeks, extremities and torso. General hygiene measures can help prevent an infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms

Incubation period: 4-14 days

• Course
  • Children: asymptomatic or mild progression
  • Adults: often severe progression

Possible symptoms

• Slightly reduced general condition
• Flu-like symptoms
  • Fever (usually slight)
  • Muscle pain and headache
• Characteristic skin rash (only for around 20% of infections)
  • Cheeks, so-called butterfly rash (nose and mouth aren't affected)
  • Torso and extremities (lacy appearance)
  • Slight itching

Complications

• Often: painful joint inflammation (arthritis)
• Seldom
  • Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
  • Meningitis or cerebral inflammation
  • Myocarditis
• Anaemia
• Pregnancy
  • Risk of severe progression
  • Risk of miscarriage

Causes and treatment

Cause

• Pathogen: parvovirus B19
• Transmission
  • Droplet infection (coughing, sneezing)
  • Close contact with an infected person
• Main group: children aged 5 to 15 years

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Blood test (search for pathogen), if necessary

Treatment

• Treatment usually isn't necessary
• Treatment of symptoms, if necessary
  • Itching: powder or cooling gels
  • Scaly skin: moisturising lotions
  • Reduce fever (e.g. calf wraps)

What can I do myself?

• Prevention
  • No vaccine available
  • Hygiene measures for prevention
  • Avoid direct contact with patients

When to see a doctor?

• Severe progression and complications
• Contact with a fifth disease patient during pregnancy
• Stiff neck, disorientation
• Fever and skin rash
  • Patient has an immune deficiency or anaemia
  • If pregnant

Synonyms

fifth disease, erythema infectiosum, slapped cheek syndrome, parvovirus infection