ERYTHEMA ENDEMICUM Meaning and
Definition
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Erythema endemicum, also known as fifth disease or slapped cheek syndrome, is a viral infection characterized by a red rash on the face, arms, and legs. It is primarily caused by the human parvovirus B19, a highly contagious virus that is common among children but can affect individuals of any age.
The term "erythema" refers to the reddening or inflammation of the skin, while "endemicum" indicates that the condition is constantly present or native to a particular region or population. Therefore, erythema endemicum specifically relates to the presence of a characteristic rash that is prevalent or regularly observed in a certain geographical area or group of people.
The rash associated with erythema endemicum typically begins with bright red cheeks, resembling a slap mark on the face. It then spreads to the arms, legs, and trunk, often presenting as a lacy or net-like pattern. The appearance of the rash is usually striking, making it easily identifiable. Other symptoms may accompany the rash, such as low-grade fever, headache, runny nose, and fatigue.
Erythema endemicum is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, saliva, or blood from an infected person. It can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus causes a mild illness in most cases, with symptoms subsiding within a couple of weeks. However, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and individuals with certain blood disorders may experience more severe symptoms.
Proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can help prevent the spread of erythema endemicum. Vaccination is not available for fifth disease, so treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and providing relief until the infection resolves spontaneously.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ERYTHEMA ENDEMICUM
- wrythema endemicum
- srythema endemicum
- drythema endemicum
- rrythema endemicum
- 4rythema endemicum
- 3rythema endemicum
- eeythema endemicum
- edythema endemicum
- efythema endemicum
- etythema endemicum
- e5ythema endemicum
- e4ythema endemicum
- ertthema endemicum
- ergthema endemicum
- erhthema endemicum
- eruthema endemicum
- er7thema endemicum
- er6thema endemicum
- eryrhema endemicum
- eryfhema endemicum
Etymology of ERYTHEMA ENDEMICUM
The word "erythema endemicum" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
- "Erythema" originates from the Greek word "erythēma" (ἐρύθημα), which means "redness" or "flushing". It is derived from the Greek verb "erythainō" (ἐρυθαίνω), meaning "to redden" or "to become red".
- "Endemicum" comes from the Latin term "endēmicus", which means "endemic" or "native to a particular region or population". It is derived from the Greek prefix "en-" (ἐν), meaning "in" or "within", and the Greek noun "dēmos" (δῆμος), which refers to "population" or "people".
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