Case history 2

The patient is a 3 year-old female who has had a temperature of 101.5o F for two days. On the second day of fever, she developed a lace-like rash on the arms and trunk, and her cheeks became intensely red, with a "slapped cheek" appearance characteristic of infection with Parvovirus B19. The fever resolved on the third day, and the rash faded over the next week. She has continued to be playful during the illness and is drinking liquids well.

Study questions

1. How is the virus transmitted? Is the child contagious?  Answer

2. What is known about the pathogenesis of the infection?  Answer

3. This patient didn't even go to the doctor. What other parvovirus B-19 infected patients are more likely to be seen in the clinic or hospital? Are these patients contagious?  Answer

4.  If you had to confirm the diagnosis, how could you do it?  Answer

5. The patient's mother is pregnant and expresses concern about her unborn child. What do you tell her?  Answer