Parvovirus B19 is a virus that infects humans and mostly affects young children. It causes them misery in the late winter and early spring months each year. This is not the same disease as canine parvovirus infection.
Symptoms of Parvovirus B19 in children
Children who have Parvovirus B19 infections usually experience an acute viral syndrome that is known as Fifth disease. This viral infection causes a telltale rash. It causes reddened cheeks on both sides or so called “slapped cheeks.” The rash also appears lacy and red all over the rest of the body. Children often have a couple of days of fever along with mild respiratory symptoms in addition to the rash. They generally recover without any complications.
Symptoms of Parvovirus B19 in other populations
Infection in adults causes similar symptoms as children. Adults can get Fifth disease also, but much of the population is immune to this virus because it is so common to get it during childhood.
While children have mild symptoms with this virus, pregnant women and their unborn babies do not always fare as well. Parvovirus has the potential to cause severe anemia in unborn babies. The earlier the weeks of age of the unborn baby, the worse the fetal anemia can be. In an acute infection, the virus is present in the amniotic fluid. However, this is a very rare complication as many pregnant women are already immune to this common virus.
A subset of the population will have joint pain and severe anemia with Parvovirus B19 infection. Some will even require a blood transfusion and often have longer lasting symptoms. People with sickle cell disease are also at particular risk for severe anemia and aplastic crisis with human Parvovirus infection. This population requires blood products because this virus attacks blood cells and destroys them.
Parvovirus B19 Transmission
Parvovirus B19 is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions. Coughs and sneezes spread respiratory droplets and lead to person to person transmission. This virus can also be spread through blood or blood products. Often, people with low white blood cell counts, organ transplant recipients or other immune compromising conditions are at increased risk for secondary infections after Parvovirus infection as with other viral infections.
Diagnosis
Fifth disease is such a mild illness that generally no specific test is required to diagnose it. Often, doctors diagnose Parvovirus based on clinical signs and symptoms. However, people who have more severe symptoms may require a test done through polymerase chain reaction to have a more definitive diagnosis. Any pregnant person who has come in contact with someone with Parvovirus B19 should contact their obstetrician to see what testing they might need.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is not a parvovirus vaccination. While parvovirus B19 infection is mild for most people, it is important that we try to protect vulnerable populations from an infected person. People with compromised immune systems and pregnant women are at particular risk.
The best way to prevent any viral respiratory illness is to wash your hands often with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and avoid contact with sick people. Covering your coughs and sneezes will help prevent transmission of the virus to other people. Also, it is important to stay home if you are feeling ill.
Treatment
There is no specific medicine to treat human parvovirus infection as is the case with most viral infections. Supportive care is the mainstay to treat mild symptoms. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen treat pain or fever, getting lots of rest and drinking fluids are the best things to do while you wait for your immune system to defeat the virus.
People with severe symptoms or complications may require more aggressive treatment and support care in a hospital setting.
How can 127 Pediatrics help your sick child?
Now that the cold weather virus season is upon us, it seems like all of the children are sick. If you are tired of waiting rooms, being told to go to urgent care for every illness or not having time with your child’s pediatrician, 127 Pediatrics is the practice for you. We offer all home visits, longer visits, direct access to the pediatrician and best of all- no waiting rooms! So, give us a call to find out about how your child can become a member of 127 Pediatrics
© 127 Pediatrics; updated October 2022
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house calls only pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. Dr. Wadley sees patients all over Tarrant county for concierge breastfeeding medicine consults, lactation consults, fourth-trimester care, tongue tie clipping, and medical ear piercing.
