Fifth’s Disease is typically a childhood illness that is caused by the Parvovirus B19. Fifth’s Disease was named so because it was historically the 5th listed common skin rash illness in children [1 ]. It is easily spread through respiratory secretions as well as blood.
There is a risk that a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her baby if she becomes infected as well.
The most common symptoms of Fifths Disease are runny nose, fever, headache and a rash {2}. The rash can occur on the arms, legs, trunk and on the face giving the appearance of having “slapped cheeks”. The rash varies in intensity and can last for weeks to months. Less commonly, there can be painful swelling in the joints which is also known as polyarthropathy syndrome{1}. This occurs in a higher percentage of adult women.
There is a risk that a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her baby if she becomes infected as well.
The most common symptoms of Fifths Disease are runny nose, fever, headache and a rash {2}. The rash can occur on the arms, legs, trunk and on the face giving the appearance of having “slapped cheeks”. The rash varies in intensity and can last for weeks to months. Less commonly, there can be painful swelling in the joints which is also known as polyarthropathy syndrome{1}. This occurs in a higher percentage of adult women.
The biggest complication of Fifth’s Disease is when a normally healthy pregnant woman contracts the illness and passes it to her unborn child. Roughly fifty percent of pregnant women have been exposed to the virus prior to pregnancy and have antibodies to protect them from reinfection. For the other fifty percent who are not, there may not be complications {1}. For about 10% of them, the outcome is likely dire for the baby especially if exposure is in the first and second trimester of pregnancy {1}. When it occurs early on it can lead to fetal anemia and result in miscarriage.
There is no treatment for children and adults who contract the virus at this time. For pregnant women the recommendation is to avoid exposure and contact with anyone who exhibits symptoms or is know to have the virus {2}. For the unborn baby, the recommendation is more frequent sonograms and blood work to monitor for complications. In rare occurrences, the need for a blood transfusion in utero is necessary but comes with its own risks and complications {1}.
There is no treatment for children and adults who contract the virus at this time. For pregnant women the recommendation is to avoid exposure and contact with anyone who exhibits symptoms or is know to have the virus {2}. For the unborn baby, the recommendation is more frequent sonograms and blood work to monitor for complications. In rare occurrences, the need for a blood transfusion in utero is necessary but comes with its own risks and complications {1}.