Parvoviral Infections - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What Is a Parvoviral Infection?

A parvoviral/parvovirus infection is a common and highly contagious illness that mainly affects children. It is sometimes also referred to as a slapped cheek disease because of the development of a distinctive rash on the face. Parvovirus infection is also called the fifth disease because, historically, it ranks fifth among all the common childhood illnesses characterized by a rash.

Most cases of parvovirus infection in children are mild and require little treatment. However, the condition can be severe in some adults. In addition, parvovirus infection during pregnancy can lead to serious health complications for the fetus. The infection is also a serious concern for people suffering from anemia and those with a compromised immune system.

What Are the Symptoms of Parvovirus Infection?

Since the infection is usually mild, there are no signs or symptoms. However, when the symptoms appear, it depends mainly on the person's age and how the infection has been acquired.

Parvovirus Symptoms in Children

Early signs and symptoms of parvovirus infection during childhood may include-

• Fever.

• Headache.

• Upset stomach.

• Runny nose.

Distinctive Facial Rash

Several days after the early symptoms have appeared, a distinctive bright red rash might appear on the child’s face, usually on both cheeks. Eventually, the rash may spread to several areas on the body–arms, chest, abdomen, pelvis, back, and buttocks. The rash appears pink, lacy, and slightly raised in these areas. In addition, the rash may be pretty itchy, particularly on the soles of the feet.

The rash generally appears near the end of the infection. However, it is possible to confuse the rash with other virus-related or medicine-related rashes. Up to three weeks, the rash may come and go and become more evident when the child spends too much time in the sun or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Parvovirus Symptoms in Adults

Adults do not usually develop the distinctive bright red slapped-cheek rash. Instead, the most observed symptom of parvovirus infection in adults is joint soreness, which may last from a few days to several weeks. The most commonly affected joints are the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees.

What Causes Parvovirus Infection?

Parvovirus infection in humans is caused by human parvovirus B19. A different parvovirus is seen in dogs and cats, so there is no possibility of spreading the disease from the pets or vice versa.

The parvovirus is present in the spit of saliva and the nasal mucus. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus from them can spread through airborne droplets. The virus can also spread through blood or contaminated blood products. In pregnant women infected with parvovirus, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. The infection is contagious the week before the appearance of the rash. After the rash appears, the disease is no longer infectious, and the affected person need not be isolated.

When Should You Consult a Doctor for Parvovirus Infection?

Generally, there is no need to visit a doctor for a parvovirus infection. However, if the affected individual has an underlying health condition predisposing to an increased risk of complications from parvovirus infection, then a doctor’s appointment is important. These conditions may include the following-

• Sickle cell anemia.

• Compromised immune system.

• Pregnancy.

What Are the Complications of Parvovirus Infection?

Parvovirus infection may present complications in people with anemia and compromised immunity during pregnancy.

Parvovirus and Anemia

Parvovirus infection can cause severe complications for people with anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the red blood cells are used up at a faster rate than they are replaced by the bone marrow. Therefore, when infected with parvovirus infection, anemic people can have an anemia crisis where there is no production of red blood cells. This is particularly noticeable in sickle cell anemia.

Parvovirus infection can also cause anemia and related complications in

• People with compromised immune systems.

• The fetus of pregnant women infected with parvovirus.

Parvovirus in People With Compromised Immunity

Parvovirus can trigger severe anemia in people with a weakened immune system, which may result from

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.

• Cancer therapy.

• Anti-rejection drugs used post-organ transplant.

Parvovirus Infection in Pregnancy

Parvovirus infection in pregnant women may sometimes affect the red blood cells of the fetus. However, it is uncommon but may cause severe anemia, leading to a miscarriage or stillbirth. This risk to the fetus is most significant during the first half of the pregnancy.

How Is Parvovirus Infection Diagnosed?

The healthcare provider will do a physical examination and ask about the symptoms and any medications the patient may be taking. In most cases, there are very mild to no symptoms of this infection, so no testing is usually performed. However, the healthcare provider may order a blood test if they suspect the patient may have a parvovirus infection and are at a high risk of complications. In case of pregnancy, the following tests are done-

• Amniotic fluid test.

• Blood from the fetal cord is taken and tested.

If they suspect a history of parvovirus infection, they may check for antibodies in the blood.

How Is Parvovirus Infection Treated?

Parvovirus infection is generally self-limiting, meaning it disappears independently, and self-care treatment at home is more than sufficient. Self-treatment at home aims at primarily relieving signs and symptoms and easing discomfort.

• Drink plenty of fluids and take appropriate rest.

• Acetaminophen can be taken to alleviate temperatures of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 39 degrees Celsius and minor aches and pains.

• People with severe anemia may be hospitalized and given blood transfusions.

• Those with compromised immune systems may receive antibodies through immune globulin injections to treat the infection.

How Can One Prevent Parvovirus Infection?

There is no vaccine to prevent parvovirus infection. However, once infected, the person gets lifetime immunity against this disease. The chances of getting infected can be reduced by washing hands often, avoiding contact, and sharing food and drinks with infected people.

Does Parvovirus Infection Result in Mild Miscarriage?

Pregnant women who are exposed to infection are at higher risk of miscarriage, and those women who are infected before pregnancy will be protected against infection. Those women who get infected during pregnancy will deliver a healthy and normal baby. In very few cases, the fetus may experience fetal anemia, where there will be an accumulation of abnormal fluid in one or more regions of the body.

How Long Will a Parvovirus Infection Exist?

The incubation time of parvovirus infection is three days to three weeks. So, the symptoms of this infection can last only five to seven days.

Can the Person Be Immune to the Virus?

Yes, the person can be immune but not until they have experienced the infection once. The person cannot get the infection for the second time, and the antibodies to the virus will be present in the blood, which shows that the person is already infected and immune to the infection.

Conclusion:

Parvovirus is a common infection seen in school-going children and is usually harmless. It does not require visiting a doctor. It disappears on its own and can be self-treated at home. However, pregnant women and people with weak immunity are at a greater risk of developing complications and, therefore must consult a healthcare professional.