Gardasil 9 (HPV vaccine): Side effects, dosage, uses, and more

Chapter 22 - Parvovirus B19

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'Slapped Cheek Disease' Is Raging Through NJ Schools Right Now

My son stayed home from school yesterday, and a quick trip to his pediatrician confirmed he had a classic case of Fifth Disease. Also known as Slapped-Cheek Disease, it is known for causing a bright red rash on the face and body, in addition to low-grade fever and flu-like symptoms.

Fifth Disease, also known as Slapped-Cheek Disease, is known for causing a bright red rash on the face and body. (Dan Zarrow, Townsquare Media)

Fifth Disease, also known as Slapped-Cheek Disease, is known for causing a bright red rash on the face and body. (Dan Zarrow, Townsquare Media)

Until recently, I had not heard of Fifth Disease — even though it is very common in school-age children, and highly contagious. It has been rolling through our local school system and our network of friends for several weeks now. So I wanted to share what I've learned about the virus, and why there is only minor reason for concern.

(Note: I am a concerned parent and a scientist, but not a doctor or medical professional.)

What is Fifth Disease?

Fifth Disease is more technically known as Erythema infectiosum and Parvovirus B19. Familiarly, it is called Slapped-Cheek Disease. It is a viral infection that is common among children from 5 to 15 years old. It is highly contagious.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Fifth Disease infections most often occur in late winter, spring, and early summer. Minor outbreaks happen every few years.

Why is it called Fifth Disease?

According to Cleveland Clinic, it is so named because it became the fifth viral skin rash known to infect children, in a checklist of six. In case you are curious, here is the list:1.) Measles2.) Scarlet fever3.) Rubella (German measles)4.) Dukes' disease5.) Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease)6.) Roseola

Why is it known as Slapped-Cheek Disease?

A bright red rash on the cheeks is the classic telltale sign of Fifth Disease. They look like they have been slapped. Hence, the colloquial name.

What are the classic symptoms?

In addition to the face, a "lacey" rash can occur on the torso, arms, and legs. The rash usually appears within 4 to 14 days of infection, and may become itchy or irritating.

The rash is actually the last phase of the virus. Other earlier symptoms mimic those of the flu, and may include:—Low-grade fever (99 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit)—Headache—General fatigue—Joint pain and swelling—Sore throat—Runny nose

About 20% of children who contract Fifth Disease exhibit no symptoms at all, but are still contagious.

How does Fifth Disease spread?

The virus is transmitted through respiratory or blood droplets, most often by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Pregnant women can also spread the Fifth Disease virus to their unborn child.

Note: The red skin rash is not contagious.

Can adults get it?

Yes, but it is rare. Most people who contract Fifth Disease as a child develop a natural immunity to it by adulthood.

Any serious complications?

Healthy children and adults rarely face serious or long-term problems from the disease.

Those with blood disorders or a weakened immune system are at increased risk for low blood cell production and other complications. This includes those with cancer, HIV, anemia, and a transplanted organ.

Also, if a pregnant woman passes Fifth Disease to their unborn child, it can cause significant complications and danger.

How long does it last?

Initial flu-like symptoms only last a few days. The subsequent rash usually fades after 5 to 10 days, but may last 2 to 3 weeks.

Can cats or dogs get it?

No. Parvovirus B19 can not be passed from humans to other animals. It is different from the parvoviruses that affect dogs and cats.

What do I do if you suspect your child has Fifth Disease?

Whenever your child exhibits flu-like symptoms, the CDC encourages common sense preventative measures:—Wash hands often with soap and water—Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing—Try not to touch eyes, nose, and mouth—Avoid close contact with sick people—Stay home when you are sick

Fifth Disease infections are usually mild, and do not generally require a doctor's visit or hospital stay.

What treatment is usually advised?

Because Fifth Disease is viral, and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics will not work.

Doctors generally recommend rest and over-the-counter medicine to relieve symptoms. You might consider acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and joint pain. And lotion or other topical creams for itching.

Those who experience complications or are pregnancy with a Fifth Disease infection may require additional treatment or precautions.

When should you keep your child home from school?

The Harvard Medical School recommends children stay absent from school or daycare if they have one of the "big four" sickness symptoms:1.) Fever2.) Vomiting or diarrhea (not a symptom of Fifth Disease)3.) Bad pain4.) Non-stop coughing or breathing changes (not a symptom of Fifth Disease)

Remember, once the "slapped-cheek" rash shows up, the virus is no longer contagious.

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Gallery Credit: Dan Zarrow

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Check out Dan's weather blog or follow him on Facebook for your latest weather forecast updates.

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What Is Parvovirus? Symptoms For Dog Owners To Look Out For

Pet owners are being warned over an outbreak of Parvovirus - a severe illness that can prove fatal to dogs.

The warning comes after at least a dozen cases of the contagious virus were reported in Essex within recent days.

The virus attacks the infection-fighting cells inside a dog's bone marrow, weakening its immune system.

Here's everything you need to know about Parvovirus from what it is, and how it is spread to the symptoms you need to be aware of. 

This is why you should never feed chocolate to your dogs What is Parvovirus and how is it spread?

Parvovirus, parvo, canine parvovirus, or CPV is a virus that damages the lining of a dog's intestines.

The illness can severe vomiting and diarrhoea as well as death in some cases.

Puppies under six months and unvaccinated dogs are particularly vulnerable since their immune systems aren't as well developed. 

Dogs typically pick up the virus when they are out exploring, People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) explains.

The charity added: "It's shed in the poo of infected dogs three to four days after they are infected, then for a couple of weeks after their symptoms clear up.

"Unfortunately, it can then survive in the environment for months to years – meaning it can be found almost anywhere that dogs go, such as gardens, parks and fields.

"It can also travel in dirt, so can be found on the bottom of shoes, inside houses, on dog leads, collars, bowls, clothes, toys, and even on human hands".

PDSA and Vets Now have issued advice to pet owners over Parvovirus. (Canva) (Image: Canva)

Parvovirus signs and symptoms 

Here are the most common signs and symptoms of Parvovirus that pet owners need to be aware of, according to PDSA:

Severe diarrhoea (foul smelling, watery and bloody)

Vomiting

Severely low energy (lethargy)

A very high, or very low temperature

Pale gums

Abdominal (tummy) pain

Reduced appetite

These symptoms usually take between three to seven days to appear.

When to contact your vet

PDSA urges pet owners to contact a vet immediately if their pooch is displaying any of the above Parvovirus symptoms.

It added: "Let them know you think it might be parvo, and wait outside the clinic until your dog is called in to prevent spreading it to other dogs in the waiting room.

"There is no need to contact your vet if your dog has simply come into contact with parvovirus, just monitor them closely for symptoms and call your vet for advice if you're concerned".

However, if you're unsure whether your pet needs veterinary treatment, you can book an online video consultation with Video Vets Now. 

For more hints and tips, and advice on what to do in a pet emergency, visit the Vets Now website.

Here are the symptoms of Parvovirus that you need to watch out for. ( Canva) (Image: Canva)

How to prevent Parvovirus

Dave Leicester, an emergency vet and Head of Telehealth at Video Vet Now service, which is a video consultation service for pet owners run by Vets Now said: "The only effective way to reduce your dog's risk of contracting parvovirus is to have them vaccinated against the disease.

"Canine parvovirus is extremely contagious and may persist in the environment for over a year. When there is an outbreak, contact with the virus can be very hard to avoid. The virus causes very serious illness, which is often fatal.

"Vaccination comprises an initial course of two or three vaccinations.

"Regular booster vaccinations are required throughout life, as immunity is not lifelong. Vaccines provide a very high level of immunity but they must be given before exposure to the virus to be effective.

5 tips to reduce your dog's risk of contracting Parvovirus

Vets Now has shared five tips pet owners should follow that may help reduce the risk of their dog contracting the virus:

The virus is spread primarily through faeces, so extra care should be made to prevent access to any dog mess.

Unvaccinated dogs should be safe in their own garden, if other dogs do not have access to it.

In public spaces, unvaccinated dogs should be carried.

There is a theoretical risk from infected foxes, so, if possible, owners should try to ensure foxes do not have access to their gardens.

The virus can be transmitted on contaminated shoes and clothing and dog toys, food/water bowls, and accessories.

There are more than 60 Vets Now clinics and hospitals across the UK that are open through the night, seven days a week, and day and night on weekends, to treat any pet emergencies that may occur

All of Vets Now's premises have a vet and vet nurse on-site at all times.

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