Erythema Infectiosum (aka Fifth Disease)

Question 1

What is the microorganism responsible for erythema infectiosum?

Answer 1

Human Parvovirus (HPV)

Fifth disease is droplet and contact precautions.
Do not assign a pregnant nurse to a patient with fifth disease

Question 2

s/s of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease)…

Answer 2

-initial red (slapped face) rash
-this rash then moves throughout the whole body; no longer contagious! [fifth disease is more contagious in the incubation phase - before rash appears]
-fever
-malaise

Question 3

What are the three stages of fifth disease rash?

Answer 3

1. erythema (redness)
2. maculopapular red spots
3. disappearance

Question 4

Is there drug cure to treat fifth disease?

Answer 4

NO.

Fifth disease treatment is supportive. This includes antipyretics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, oatmeal, cut fingernails to prevent scratching