Which population group is most commonly affected by erythema infectiosum?

Which population group is most commonly affected by erythema infectiosum?

• A. Adults over 40
• B. Children under 10
• C. Infants under 1 month
• D. Elderly

Answer: (B)

Erythema infectiosum is caused by parvovirus B19 and most commonly affects children, especially those in the school-age range. The illness spreads easily in settings like daycare and school, where kids are in close contact, which explains why the classic slapped-cheek facial rash followed by a lacy body rash is most often seen in children under ten. Adults can get infected too, but less frequently and they’re more likely to experience arthralgias than the characteristic facial rash. Infants under 1 month and the elderly are not the typical groups most affected.

Erythema infectiosum is caused by parvovirus B19 and most commonly affects children, especially those in the school-age range. The illness spreads easily in settings like daycare and school, where kids are in close contact, which explains why the classic slapped-cheek facial rash followed by a lacy body rash is most often seen in children under ten. Adults can get infected too, but less frequently and they’re more likely to experience arthralgias than the characteristic facial rash. Infants under 1 month and the elderly are not the typical groups most affected.