Arthropathy
An adult who has not previously been infected with parvovirus B19 can be infected and become ill. Unlike a child's
fifth disease symptoms, adults can develop joint pain, swelling, or both. Usually, joints on both sides of the body are affected. The joints most frequently affected are the hands, wrists, and knees. The joint pain and swelling usually goes away in a week or two, but can last for several months.
Adults can also get a rash with
fifth disease, but it is most often absent or does not have the "slapped cheek" look that is seen in children.
Transient Aplastic Crisis
People with chronic hemolytic disease (such as jaundice) can develop a transient aplastic crisis when infected with parvovirus B19. All chronic hemolytic diseases can be affected by parvovirus B19, including:
- Sickle cell anemia (destruction of red blood cells)
- Hereditary spherocytosis (the presence of red blood cells in the blood)
- Thalassemia (group of inherited diseases of the blood)
- Autoimmune hemolysis (type of anemia)
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (breakdown of red blood cells, characterized by dark-colored urine).
Aplastic crisis symptoms seen with a parvovirus B19 infection can include:
- Weakness
- Extreme tiredness
- Severe anemia.
This anemia can be life threatening and may require an immediate blood transfusion.
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