INFORMATION ON FIFTH DISEASE
Fifth disease is a mild illness caused by a virus. It is seen primarily in school-aged children between 5 and 14 years during the spring and winter. Fifth disease causes a reddish rash on the child's face that looks as if the child has been slapped. In addition to the red cheeks, children often develop a red, lacy rash on the rest of the body, with the upper arms and legs being the most common locations. Teenagers and adults may present with a self-limited arthritis.SYNONYMS OF FIFTH DISEASE
Synonyms and related keywords:1. Fifth disease.
2. Slapped-cheek disease.
3. Academy rash.
4. Sticker's disease.
5. Childhood exanthem.
6. Parvovirus.
7. Parvoviridae family.
CAUSES OF FIFTH DISEASE
Fifth disease is caused by the human parvovirus that lives in the nose and throat of the infected person. It is most prevalent in the winter and spring and is usually seen in children 5 to 14 years of age. The virus is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. Because the virus needs a rapidly dividing cell in order to multiply, it attacks the red blood cells of the body. Outbreaks of the disease frequently occur in school settings.SYMPTOMS OF FIFTH DISEASE
Symptoms of fifth disease are:1. Fever.
2. Joint pain.
3. Headache.
4. Red eyes.
5. Sore throat.
6. Rash, first appearing on the cheeks, often looks like "slapped cheeks".
7. A rash spreading to the arms and legs about one day later, often has a "lacy" appearance.
DIAGNOSIS OF FIFTH DISEASE
Fifth disease is usually diagnosed based on a complete medical history and physical examination of your child.Other test is:
1 Blood tests for antibodies against parvovirus B19.
2 Physical examination.
3 Diagnosis of "aplastic crisis" and persistent anemia.
