Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) in adults is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19, often characterized by severe, symmetrical joint pain (polyarthropathy syndrome) rather than the "slapped cheek" rash typical in children. While usually mild, it may cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and last for weeks or months, primarily affecting the hands, wrists, and knees.

What happens if adults get fifth disease?

Adults can also become infected with the virus and develop fifth disease. Adults tend to have a more severe flu-like illness but seldom develop the rash. Adults, especially women, with the disease are much more likely than children to develop joint symptoms.

How does fifth disease start out?

The rash usually starts on the face and makes the cheeks bright red. Then, red (usually lighter) blotches appear on the chest, back, arms, and legs. The rash can be itchy. After a few days, it takes on a lacy net-like look.

How long is an adult contagious with parvovirus?

It is usually safe to go back to work or school after the rash appears. If you have a drop in blood count (anemia), you may remain contagious until your blood count improves. If you have a parvovirus B19 infection and have a weakened immune system, you may be contagious for a longer time.

How many adults are immune to fifth disease?

Studies have shown that approximately 50 percent of adults may be immune to parvovirus B19.

CDC issues new warning about increasing cases of Parvovirus B19

How do I know if I'm immune to fifth disease?

Blood tests can show if someone is immune to the virus, if they are not immune and have never been infected, or if they have had a recent infection. Once you have had fifth disease, it is rare to be re-infected.

What are the symptoms of parvovirus in adults?

Infection from parvovirus B19 can lead to pain and swelling in the joints, called polyarthopathy syndrome. This is more common in adults than children and is most common in women. Adults may experience joint pain without other symptoms. Affected joints are on both sides, usually in the hands, feet, and knees.

How do you test for fifth disease?

How is fifth disease diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider will take a history and perform a physical examination of your child. The disease is easiest to diagnose while the rash is present.

How does a human get parvovirus?

Humans get Parvovirus B19 (which causes Fifth Disease) primarily through airborne respiratory droplets from infected people, spread by coughing, sneezing, or close contact, and it can also transmit through blood or from mother to baby during pregnancy; importantly, you cannot get human parvo from dogs, as they have different viruses. Transmission occurs easily when someone is sick with cold-like symptoms, before the characteristic rash appears, according to CDC, UM Health-Sparrow, American Lung Association, this Hawaii State Department of Health page, and this Cleveland Clinic page.

How do you treat fifth disease at home?

How can you care for yourself at home?

1. Get extra rest while you have symptoms of fifth disease.
2. Drink plenty of fluids. ...
3. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), to reduce fever and aches.

Can parents catch fifth disease?

The virus is most contagious before the rash appears, which is why it often spreads quickly in schools and daycares. After a child has fifth disease, they develop immunity and won't get it again. Parents who were previously exposed to parvovirus B19 are unlikely to catch fifth disease from their child.

What are the first signs of parvovirus?

What are the signs of canine parvovirus?

• Lethargy.
• Loss of appetite.
• Vomiting.
• Severe, often bloody, diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain and bloating.
• Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)

How to recognize fifth disease?

About a quarter of all people who get fifth disease have no symptoms. The most common signs of fifth disease that differ from other illnesses are: About 2 to 3 weeks after being exposed to the virus, a red rash may appear on the face.

How long should you quarantine with fifth disease?

A child is most contagious in the first 5 days before the rash appears. The symptoms in the first phase are fever, muscle aches and tiredness. Once the rash appears, the person is no longer contagious. Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of fifth disease in school, child care, and at home.

What are the first symptoms of fifth disease?

Key points about fifth disease in children

• Fifth disease is a viral illness that causes a bright red rash on the cheeks. ...
• Other symptoms can include runny nose, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and low fever.

Is fifths disease contagious to the elderly?

However, older children and adults, especially females, can get it. Fifth disease is contagious (spread from person to person) in the early stages before symptoms appear. Once the rash appears, it is no longer contagious.

How contagious is parvovirus in adults?

Parvovirus B19 is primarily spread through respiratory secretions from when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are most contagious at the period of illness when it appears as the common cold. After a rash or joint pain develops, people are not as contagious.

How to detect parvovirus in humans?

Diagnosis of a parvovirus infection involves a physical exam. Often, a healthcare professional can tell if a person has a parvovirus infection based on symptoms such as a face rash that looks like a slapped cheek. People who are at risk of complications from parvovirus infections might need blood tests.

How to get rid of parvovirus in humans?

Parvovirus B19 treatment in humans is usually supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms like fever, itching, and joint pain with rest, fluids, and OTC pain relievers, as the mild illness often resolves on its own. More serious cases, especially in immunocompromised individuals, pregnant people, or those with anemia (like sickle cell), may require hospital care, blood transfusions to correct anemia, or immune globulin (IVIG) to boost the immune system, as there's no specific antiviral medication.

What does fifth disease look like in adults?

The rash is a symptom of an illness related to parvovirus infections called fifth disease. The rash is red on white skin. It is purplish and harder to see on brown or Black skin. Adults with parvovirus may have joint problems.

What autoimmune disease is associated with parvovirus?

Viruses, including human parvovirus B19, may trigger bouts of systemic lupus erythematosus in genetically susceptible individuals. Herein, we report on two patients who developed systemic lupus erythematosus associated with acute parvovirus B19 infection and discuss the possible pathogenetic mechanisms implicated.

How do you treat fifths disease in adults?

Fifth disease is usually mild and will go away on its own. There is no specific treatment for fifth disease. Treatment usually involves reducing symptoms. Infected people who have compromised immune systems and certain blood disorders should contact their health care provider for possible supportive care.

What can be mistaken for parvovirus?

Conditions like parvovirus, chicken pox and roseola can easily be mistaken for measles. Here's how to tell them apart and what to do if symptoms appear.

How long does parvovirus stay in your body?

Yes, parvovirus usually goes away on its own in a week or two. The rash can sometimes start to go away but then come back, coming and going for a few weeks. Joint pain can sometimes last a few months. Your provider may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, fluids and plenty of rest to help you feel better.

Can parvovirus cause neuropathy?

Eighty-one cases of neurologic disease, including encephalitis, meningitis, stroke, and peripheral neuropathy, that were associated with parvovirus B19 infection were reviewed. Most patients were children, and two-thirds had central nervous system manifestations.

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