Introduction
Erythema infectiousum is a common viral exanthem illness found in children. It is also known as “fifth disease” as it is one of the six most common viral rash illness found in children. The infection can also affect adults, however less commonly. This febrile illness typically affects children, age range 5-15 years old. Although less common the viral illness can also affect adults. Route of transmission is primarily via droplets from respiratory secretions and can spread via blood exposure. This is a common illness in the spring months.
Etiology
Erythema infectiousum is caused by Parvovirus B19. This is a non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Parvoviridae family.
Pathophysiology
Viremia from Parvovirus B19 exposure usually occurs within 5-10 days, and the patient remains contagious approximately 5 days after viremia occurs. If an immunocompetent host is infected range of symptoms can range from no symptoms, to non-specific flu like symptoms, to the classic symptoms of facial rash and arthralgias. When a patient has symptoms of arthalgias and exanthem they are no longer contagious.
Signs and Symptoms …show more content…
Beginning symptoms of infection can include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, headache. After initially viremia the classic erythematous malar rash involving the cheeks with surrounding oral pallor develops. Termed the classic “slapped cheek rash”. This facial rash can last 4-5 days. At the time the facial rash develops the patient usually feels well and the viremia has resolved. This rash is thought to be immune mediated. Days after the facial rash develops a macularpapular rash usually develops on the trunk and limbs. This rash in nonpruritic and usually lasts about 1 week. The rash may also have a lacy appearance. The palms of hands and soles of feet are typically not
Erythema infectiousum is a common viral exanthem illness found in children. It is also known as “fifth disease” as it is one of the six most common viral rash illness found in children. The infection can also affect adults, however less commonly. This febrile illness typically affects children, age range 5-15 years old. Although less common the viral illness can also affect adults. Route of transmission is primarily via droplets from respiratory secretions and can spread via blood exposure. This is a common illness in the spring months.
Etiology
Erythema infectiousum is caused by Parvovirus B19. This is a non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Parvoviridae family.
Pathophysiology
Viremia from Parvovirus B19 exposure usually occurs within 5-10 days, and the patient remains contagious approximately 5 days after viremia occurs. If an immunocompetent host is infected range of symptoms can range from no symptoms, to non-specific flu like symptoms, to the classic symptoms of facial rash and arthralgias. When a patient has symptoms of arthalgias and exanthem they are no longer contagious.
Signs and Symptoms …show more content…
Beginning symptoms of infection can include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, headache. After initially viremia the classic erythematous malar rash involving the cheeks with surrounding oral pallor develops. Termed the classic “slapped cheek rash”. This facial rash can last 4-5 days. At the time the facial rash develops the patient usually feels well and the viremia has resolved. This rash is thought to be immune mediated. Days after the facial rash develops a macularpapular rash usually develops on the trunk and limbs. This rash in nonpruritic and usually lasts about 1 week. The rash may also have a lacy appearance. The palms of hands and soles of feet are typically not