With the cooler weather on us all our favorite viral infections will start to appear. Included in this is the "slapped - cheek disease" Erythema infectiosum.
Erythema Infectiosum
An acute viral illness caused by parvovirus B-19
Usually is seen in the winter and spring months
Presents with mild fever, itching, headache, and arthralgias
Usually have an erythematous, erysipeloid rash on the cheeks (slapped look) and a reticular rash (lace-like) on the arms
No test are needed
Management is supportive
Children with chronic hemolytic anemias can develop an aplastic crisis from this infection
