Fifth’s Disease and Human Parvovirus
by courtkneeFifth disease most commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. A red rash that starts on the face and makes it look as if the child has been slapped on the cheeks characterizes the condition. The rash can spread to the trunk, arms and legs. Fifth disease is a viral illness that is harmless. A virus called parvovirus B19, which is different from the parvovirus that affects pets, causes fifth’s disease.
It can take up to two weeks from the time of exposure for the symptoms to occur so it is difficult to tell when and where the virus was contracted. The condition begins with a low-grade fever and cold symptoms (like a stuffy or runny nose). These symptoms will pass and then the red rash follows a few days later. The rash can take on a lace-like appearance as the condition spreads throughout the body.
Although the rash is harmless, some older children and adults with Fifth’s disease complain that the rash itches. The condition can take one to three weeks to clear but will eventually fade entirely.
Fifth’s disease is contagious and most likely to spread during the time between the cold symptoms and the appearance of the rash. Once the rash appears, the person is not contagious. The rash itself is an immune-response to the virus so it is a sign that the body is working to heal.
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