Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, is a mild rash illness caused by parvovirus B19. It is more common in children than adults.
Symptoms may include:
- fever
- runny nose
- headache
- "slapped cheek" rash on the face
- rash on rest of body
- polyarthropathy syndrome.
Some adults may only have painful joints and no other symptoms. The joint pain usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks, but it can last for months or longer.
Generally, there are not serious complications but those with weakened immune systems may have chronic anemia which could require medical treatment.
Transmission
Transmission occurs through contact with respiratory secretions from an infected individual.
Transmission occurs through contact with respiratory secretions from an infected individual.
Transmission can also occur through blood or blood products. A pregnant woman who is infected with parvovirus B19 can pass the virus to her baby.
The incubation period is 4 to 14 days.
Lab Tests & Specimen Info
Healthcare providers can often diagnose fifth disease just by seeing "slapped cheek" rash on a patient's face.
Healthcare providers can often diagnose fifth disease just by seeing "slapped cheek" rash on a patient's face.
Test*
|
Specimen
|
PCR
|
Whole Blood
|
IgG/IgM
Serology (IgM antibodies are detectable 2 weeks after exposure, IgG antibodies are usually created 18 to 24 days after exposure) |
Standard and droplet precaution are recommended in healthcare settings.
Prevention for Patients
There is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent parvovirus B19 infection. Patients can reduce risk of being infected or infecting others by:
There is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent parvovirus B19 infection. Patients can reduce risk of being infected or infecting others by:
- washing hands often with soap and water
- covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- not touching eyes, nose, or mouth
- avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- staying home when sick
Public Health Actions
People are most contagious when it seems like "just a cold" and before the rash or joint pain and swelling. After the rash people are not likely to be contagious, so then it is usually safe to return to work or school.
People are most contagious when it seems like "just a cold" and before the rash or joint pain and swelling. After the rash people are not likely to be contagious, so then it is usually safe to return to work or school.
Individuals with fevers should be excluded from school or childcare until they have been fever-free for 24-hours without the use of a fever reducing medication.
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