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Parvovirus B19 (fifth disease)

Erythema infectiosum · Parvovirus B19 (pátá nemoc)

What it is

A common childhood virus that briefly stops red cell production; harmless in most, but it gives adults joint pain, can cause severe anaemia in sickle cell and similar disorders, and can make an unborn baby anaemic.

Symptoms & signs

  • Bright red 'slapped cheeks'
  • lacy rash on arms and legs, coming and going
  • mild fever, cold symptoms before
  • painful swollen joints in adults, mostly women
  • sudden anaemia in blood disorders

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Pale, weak and breathless in sickle cell or other blood disorder
  • see a doctor soon Contact or rash during pregnancy
  • see a doctor soon Pallor, tiredness or fast heart with weak immunity
  • see a doctor soon Joint pain lasting over a few weeks

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • No specific treatment — rest and fluids
  • children are no longer contagious once the rash appears
  • pregnant contacts: blood test, then scans for fetal anaemia for 12 weeks
  • intrauterine transfusion for a severely anaemic fetus
  • transfusion for aplastic crisis
  • immunoglobulin in chronic infection with weak immunity

Natural & lifestyle

  • Hand washing
  • pregnant women can check immunity

Emerging & experimental

  • Vaccine candidates
  • antivirals

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Oatmeal baths for itching — soothing only anecdotal / traditional
  • Homeopathic remedies — no effect not confirmed in trials

ICD codes