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FIFTH’S DISEASE AND PREGNANCY
Erythema
Infectiosum, commonly known as
Fifth’s Disease, or Parvovirus B-19 infection, is most frequently
associated with pre-school, elementary and middle school age children.
Outbreaks occur most often in mid-winter to early summer. 60% of
adolescents and adults have had it and cannot get it again. You get it
through respiratory secretions and close contact. Children often have
a “slapped cheek” facial rash with low-grade fever. Sometimes the rash
may extend to arms, legs and trunk. Most adults do not get the rash.
Flu-like symptoms and joint pain are also common for adults. It is
important to note that 25% of adults will have no obvious symptoms
at all. Currently there is no vaccine for Parvo B-19.
Pregnant women most
at risk of acquiring Fifth’s Disease are the mothers of children who
have the disease, followed by teachers and health care workers. The risk
of problems for the unborn baby is greatest when the mother’s illness
occurs within the first trimester (first 12 weeks). When exposure is
suspected, (usually from close contact with a child that has Fifth’s
Disease) a blood sample must be taken as soon as possible to test for
the Parvo B-19 virus. It can take up to 7 days to receive these results
from the lab, and our office will contact you after your physician has
reviewed them.
The test determines
if you have had Fifth’s disease or not. It may also tell us if you have
just gotten the infection. A second test two weeks later may be needed
to compare results.
If the completed
blood tests indicate that a woman is currently infected with the Parvo
B-19 virus, a weekly series of ultrasounds (usually for about 6 weeks)
must be ordered to monitor the baby. An unborn baby that has been
infected with Parvo B-19 can develop a severe anemia that may cause
fluid retention and swelling (a condition known as hydrops). The chance
of developing hydrops is approximately 20% if the infection occurs in
the first trimester. This percentage decreases the further along
you are.
Please let us know if
we can answer any other questions you may have about Parvo B-19
infection.
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