Fifth Disease
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daily12007-04-30T13:11:22ZFifth Disease http://www.wechealthunit.org/diseases-conditions/glossary/fifth-disease A mild respiratory infection.
Caused by:
A human virus called Human Parvovirus B19.
Symptoms:
Some people will have no symptoms. A small number of people (15% to 30%) will have a fever. The majority of people will feel symptoms of malaise (feeling unwell), headache, muscle ache and a rash. The facial rash is a red, "slapped cheek" appearance, with a white area around the mouth. It is followed by a "lace-like" rash that usually starts on the body and extends to the arms, buttocks and thighs. Some children complain of itchiness. The rash may become more intense following a warm bath, exercise or exposure to the sun. It usually lasts for about a week.
Incubation:
The time between coming in contact with the virus and the symptoms beginning can range from 4 to 20 days.
Treatment:
No specific treatment.
Communicable:
This disease is most contagious before the development of the rash.
Transmitted by:
Someone who is sick with this disease can pass it on to others by sneezing, coughing, singing or speaking to them (direct contact with respiratory secretions or droplets). An infected pregnant woman could possibly pass it on to her baby.
Complications:
There is some risk to the fetus if a pregnant woman develops fifth disease.
Other:
There are other diseases that have a red rash, such as rubella, scarlet fever and erythema multiforme. However, children with Fifth disease may attend school if they feel well enough.
Only half of everyone exposed to fifth disease will get it.
It is recommended for women planning to become pregnant to have their immune status to Rubella and Fifth Disease checked. Most adults have immunity to Fifth by the age of 15. Pregnant women in contact with preschool and school aged children have a low risk of becoming infected with virus.
Prevention:
Careful, frequent hand washing and throwing away used facial tissues is a very important way to prevent spreading of this disease.
Download:
Fifth Disease Fact SheetNo publisherMikeFifth Disease2007-06-21T19:13:53ZGlossary definitionFifth Disease http://www.wechealthunit.org/a-to-z-topic/e-h/fifth-disease No publisherroot2007-04-30T15:13:09ZSmart FolderFifth Disease Fact Sheet http://www.wechealthunit.org/diseases-conditions/fact-sheets/fifth_disease_factsheet_july2005.pdf This is a fact sheet that contains information about Fifth disease (parvovirus B19).
No publishermjanisse2006-09-12T21:16:28ZFile