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Fifth disease in a small rural community. What are the consequences?
H A Kelly1, P B Rae, J K Donnelly
1Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory.
Australian Family Physician
|February 27, 1999
Summary
Human parvovirus outbreaks most commonly affect children, but adults can experience prolonged joint pain and anemia. Pregnant women face a low risk of adverse fetal outcomes, estimated below 1%.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human parvovirus B19 outbreaks can significantly impact community health.
- Understanding the implications of such outbreaks is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the effects of a human parvovirus outbreak in a small rural community.
- To assess the epidemiological patterns and clinical manifestations of parvovirus infection.
Main Methods:
- A 18-month community survey in a Western Australian town of ~4300 people.
- Voluntary questionnaires distributed and collected, with repeat surveys for adults.
- Outbreak cases identified and assessed by the local general practice.
Main Results:
- Identified 88 definite and 14 equivocal parvovirus B19 cases between July 1994 and February 1995.
- Highest attack rate observed in the 5-9 year age group; one-third of cases were adults.
- Adults experienced prolonged symptoms (>6 months) and transient anemia; no adverse fetal outcomes reported in pregnant women.
Conclusions:
- Parvovirus outbreaks predominantly affect children but can cause persistent symptoms in adults.
- Adults may develop polyarthralgia/arthritis and transient anemia.
- While pregnant women are at risk for fetal complications, the estimated risk of adverse fetal outcome is less than 1%.
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