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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Most people with parvovirus infection have no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they vary greatly by age.
Parvovirus symptoms in children
Early signs and symptoms of parvovirus infection in children may include:
- Sore throat
- Slight fever
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Itching
Distinctive facial rash
Several days after the appearance of early symptoms, a distinctive bright red facial rash may appear — usually on both cheeks. Eventually it may extend to the arms, trunk, thighs and buttocks, where the rash has a pink, lacy, slightly raised appearance.
Generally, the rash occurs near the end of the illness. It's possible to mistake the rash for other viral rashes or a medicine-related rash. The rash may come and go for up to three weeks, becoming more visible when a child is exposed to extreme temperatures or spends time in the sun.
Parvovirus symptoms in adults
Adults don't usually develop the slapped-cheek rash. Instead, the most prominent symptom of parvovirus infection in adults is joint soreness, lasting days to weeks. Joints most commonly affected are the hands, wrists, knees and ankles.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your family physician if you believe you or your child has parvovirus infection in addition to an underlying condition that may increase the risk of complications. These conditions include:
- Sickle cell anemia
- Impaired immune system
- Pregnancy
- Fifth disease. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/166343766-3/906090993/2088/245.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00015-0--s0880_5038. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Young NS. B19 parvovirus. In: Goldman L. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/166343766-3/906090993/1492/1323.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50399-2_16554. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Jordan JA. Clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of human parvovirus B19 infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Parvovirus B19 infection and erythema infectiosum. In: Cohen J, et al. Cohen & Powderly: Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/166343766-3/906090993/1209/25.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02407-6..50010-6--cesec37_250. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Riley LE, et al. Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Jordan JA. Treatment and prevention of parvovirus B19 infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Reye's syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reyes_syndrome/reyes_syndrome.htm. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
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