why this spring there is an outbreak of a virus that affects the youngest

why this spring there is an outbreak of a virus that affects the youngest
why this spring there is an outbreak of a virus that affects the youngest

“In my eldest daughter’s classroom there are many cases and, from what I was talking to other parents, also in several kindergartens,” Carolina warns in a WhatsApp group. “My 5-year-old daughter caught it in August. Snot and red cheeks. I thought it was due to atopic skin until the spots appeared and only then did my pediatrician give me the diagnosis,” Florencia posts on Instagram. Cases are proliferating everywhere.

The fifth disease or erythema infectiosum It is a typical childhood pathology that preferably affects children of preschool and school age. It is caused by the parvovirus B19 virus (it is worth clarifying that it is not the same one that affects dogs and cats) and usually prevails in spring. However, in the last two weeks, Cases increased in wards and pediatric offices. Doctors are seeing the picture daily. This is what the consulted specialists warn. Why is there an outbreak?

Clarion spoke with Gabriela Marín, head of the Allergy Service at the Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital; Lucila Fernie, head of the Pediatric Service at the British Hospital; Fabiana Pena, pediatrician, neonatologist, specialist in child development; and Celeste Celano, head of Pediatrics at the Caseros Model Sanatorium.

All experts agree that The viral pattern was modified by the pandemic and climate change Therefore, since 2022, the “bugs” show different behavior.

Pena points out that after Covid, there was an imbalance in terms of the preponderance of viruses and bacteria in the ecosystem. “Some are emerging in different seasons and with greater virulencecondition and degree of contagion,” he indicates. Fifth disease is no exception.

“It must be taken into account that there are children who did not acquire this infection due to the isolation that occurred during the pandemic and this caused there to be more cases than expected at slightly later ages than the usual ones,” emphasizes Marín.

How is it spread? Basically, through nasal secretions and saliva droplets. Even after coughing or sneezing, the virus can remain on surfaces and thus become another route of transmission. The diagnosis is clinical and the symptoms can be treated with analgesics, antipyretics and, in case of itching, with antihistamines.

“It is from benign coursedoes not have a specific vaccine nor is it mandatory to report. But there are cases that deserve attention, such as those of immunosuppressed children or those with hematological diseases and that of pregnant women because it can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or during childbirth and thus generating complications”warns Celano.

Symptoms and prevention

Infection with parvovirus B19 is usually preceded by a nonspecific coldwhether with or without fever. After an incubation time of 4 to 14 days, there follows a period with variable fever and mild cold that lasts between 3 and 4 days. Then comes the famous asymmetrical maculopapular rash encased or patched (they alter red spots with pale ones) and the characteristic slap sign: very red and brightly colored cheeks.

When this sign appears, that is, when it sprouts, the child is no longer contagious (which I had been doing for approximately the previous 7 days) butThe rash may spread to other areas of the bodylike arms and legs.

“The skin lesion can disappear and reappear due to sun exposure, physical activity, after bathing or in a stressful situation. This is not a warning sign.“, clarifies Fernie to prevent parents from worrying.

And he mentions that the difficult thing is to prevent this disease because infects more before the outbreakwhen the symptoms are nonspecific. Because it is viral, it gives flu-like symptoms at the beginning: slight cold, headache, sore throat, and weakness.

He hand washing and surface hygiene that children can touch are essential when it comes to preventing this pathology. Although behaviors can also be adopted such as, for example, having cross ventilation in closed spaces and promoting healthy eating to strengthen the immune system.

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