What is Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease)? What are the Symptoms of Fifth Disease?

Parvovirus B19, which is especially common in children and known as the fifth disease, has recently started to affect adults as well. According to the information given by Prof. Dr. Aynur Eren TOPKAYA who is Medical Microbiology Specialist, this condition which is accompanied by severe joint pain and swelling in adults, can be confused with different diseases. Reminding that parvovirus B19 has a mild course in children and adults who do not have a chronic disease, Prof. Dr. TOPKAYA  “However, in some people, it can cause serious health problems affecting the nerves, joints or blood system,” she said and continued her words"It can cause a serious decrease in blood count in those with anemia or a weak immune system" 

What is Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B19)?

Parvovirus B19 is the cause of Fifth Disease, which frequently presents with a "slapped cheek" rash in children. However, it can also be seen in adults. However, it causes diseases with symptoms that vary depending on the age and general health of the person infected. Our expert said that small Parvovirus B19 outbreaks occur approximately every 3 to 4 years and reminded that epidemics occur in late winter, spring and early summer.

What are the Symptoms of Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B19)?

Pointing out that there has been an increase in the number of adults complaining of intense joint pain, especially in recent days, Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Microbiology Specialist gave important information on the subject: “The disease is asymptomatic in 2 out of every 10 people. Fever, headache, cough, sore throat, rashes and joint pain are common symptoms. In addition, the disease progresses with different complaints in children and adults. Parvovirus B19 infection causes a red rash on the face (slapped cheek). The rash appears a few days after symptoms such as fever and headache and is more common in children than adults. After the rashes on the face, rashes may also appear on the chest, back, hips or arms and legs. The rash may be itchy, especially on the soles of the feet. It usually disappears within 7 to 10 days but may recur for several weeks. Pain and swelling may develop in many joints, and these complaints are more common in adults and women than in children. Some adults experience only joint pain. Joint pain, usually felt in the hands, feet, or knees, lasts 1 to 3 weeks. However, depending on the patient's condition, there are also cases where these complaints last for months or longer.”

Is Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B19) Dangerous?

Our expert points out that although parvovirus B19 has a mild course in children and adults without a chronic disease, it can cause serious health problems affecting the nerves, joints or blood system in some people: “Pregnant women are among those at risk for parvovirus B19 infection.
People with weakened immune systems, blood diseases such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, leukemia or other cancer patients, people who have had an organ transplant, and those with HIV infection are also at risk. Infection can cause a severe drop in blood counts in those with anemia or a weakened immune system. A “slapped cheek” rash on the face is diagnostic.” she said.

Beware of Parvovirus B19 During Pregnancy!

“In special cases, antibodies can be checked in the blood to understand the immune status against Parvovirus B19 infection or whether there has been a recent infection. "Pregnancy is one of these special situations," said Prof. Dr. Topkaya said, “Passing Parvovirus B19 during pregnancy is a risky situation. For this reason, pregnant women who may be exposed to Parvovirus B19 should apply to a health institution as soon as possible,” she warned.

Reminding that approximately 50 percent of adults have had Parvovirus B19 infection and are therefore immune. Dr. TOPKAYA explained that although most non-immune people are exposed to the virus, they are not infected or have a disease process with mild symptoms. Prof. Dr. TOPKAYA said that having an infection generally does not affect pregnancy and she gave the following information on the subject: “In pregnant women who have the infection, the virus can rarely be transmitted to the baby. However, contracting Parvovirus B19 infection, especially in the first half of pregnancy, can increase the risk of miscarriage by approximately 5 percent. Immunity against Parvovirus B19 can be detected by checking Parvovirus B19 antibodies in the blood during pregnancy. If the presence of the virus is proven by a blood test, the obstetrician who follows the pregnant woman may recommend new examinations, blood tests and ultrasound in addition to routine checks. "To reduce the risk of miscarriage, the specialist's recommendations should be followed."

How is Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B19) Transmitted?

According to the information given by Aynur Eren Topkaya who is Medical Microbiology Specialist, Parvovirus B19 is transmitted from person to person through saliva, respiratory droplets, blood or blood products. It is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. Pointing out that people with parvovirus B19 infection and weakened immune systems may be contagious for a longer time, our expert said, “The virus is contagious in the early period of the infection, usually only when there are fever or cold symptoms. Contagiousness decreases after symptoms such as rash and joint pain appear. Therefore, it is usually safe to return to work or school when the rash appears.” she said.