Week of February 9- Roseola, Fifths Disease
- In Palm Springs we're not getting any reports of new infections, which Dr. Clifton Cole says is good news. And a recent intestinal infection seems to have been short lived. But he is still seeing remnants of the respiratory infection that was going around over the holidays. This appears to take several weeks for a full recovery. "With the rainy weather, folks should be extra careful when driving, and continue washing hands to prevent spread of disease."
- Lots of sore throats are affecting children in Rancho Mirage...according to Dr. Arturo Quintanilla. These are mostly viral infections. However, he is seeing some cases of strep throat. Remember, these are treated differently, so have your child checked out by a pediatrician. This week we're also seeing cases of flu in Rancho Mirage. Patients of Dr. Sara Azar are showing fever, body aches and nausea. Winter allergies and sinusitis continue to come in at a steady pace. Steroid sprays and antihistamines can keep symptoms under control. Upper respiratory infections, especially bronchitis is widespread as well.
- No antibiotics are needed to treat some the viral infection going around Indio. Dr. Kishor Vacchani explains with comes with low grade temperatures. However, he's also seeing a more serious viral bronchitis this week. This is seriously sensitive to cold air, and is characterized by a continual cough, which comes even while people are talking. This can last from two to eight weeks! It also has to be treated symptomatically-- cough drops or a bronchodilator may help.
- In Mecca Dr. Randolph Gibbs is seeing fewer cases of gastroenteritis in children. But he has seen several skin rashes appear over the last week. Fifths disease is a common childhood illness caused by a parvovirus affecting kids between four and ten years old...it's characterized by a "slapped cheek appearance" on the face and a low grade fever. "The virus is transmitted from person to person via secretions from mouth or nose and sharing contaminated drinking cups or toothbrushes," says Dr. Gibbs. This virus is contagious, and pregnant women should avoid contact with patients who have this condition. Dr. Gibbs has also seen several cases of roseola, which causes high fevers in children between six and 24 months old. "This rash usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours and is associated with runny nose, fatigue and irritability."
- For adults in Coachella, the RSV virus may just seem like the common cold, but when children have it, you'll notice they have trouble breathing. This virus causes fever, coughing, congestion and wheezing. Families with small children should be especially careful, and take precautions similar to those when someone has the flu. Dr. Frank Curry also reports he's seeing less of the recent virus that caused vomiting and diarrhea.
- Heading east to La Quinta, take note of a viral upper respiratory infection that's lasting a full ten days. People are feeling better after about four days. Dr. Erica Ruiz describes symptoms as fatigue, a low grade fever, runny nose and sore throat. "With the recent onset of the rainy weather arthritis suffers are having a problem with joint pain. Best thing to do is stretch, ice alternating with heat and try and keep active instead of inactive."
- In Palm Desert, Dr. Andrew Cyrus notes he's treating the colds of travelers who've just flown into town. So make sure to do lots of hand washing. He's also seeing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that's associated with gastroenteritis. Because of the wet weather, he's also noticed many older patients being treated for falls.
- Finally, we check in with Dr. Seema Bir in Cathedral City, who says asthma and COPD exacerbations are on the rise. "I have seen a number of cases with diverticulitis- inflammation of colon due to long standing constipation, and people eating seedy foods like strawberry, nuts etc."
Watch "What's Going Around" every Tuesday evening on KPSP Local 2 News at 6:00 p.m. and every Wednesday morning on KPSP Local 2 This Morning at 6:45 a.m.
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