Fifth Disease - Parvovirus B19

Fifth Disease also called 'slapped cheek disease" and erythema infectiosum, is a viral illness caused by Parvovirus B19. Fifth Disease usually affects children, but can affect people of all ages. The virus does not cause serious illness in most people. More than 50 per cent of adults are believed to have had parvovirus B19 and are now protected against this infection.

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What are the symptoms of Fifth Disease?

A person may develop mild flu- like symptoms 4 to 21 days after coming in contact with the virus. A very red rash then begins on the cheeks, giving the person a "slapped cheek" appearance. After 1 to 4 days, a red lace-like rash appears on the rest of the body. This rash may be itchy, can last up to 3 weeks and may come and go abruptly following exposure to heat or cold. In adults, the illness may be more severe and include fever and joint pain. However, about 20 per cent of people who are infected may have only mild signs of illness or no symptoms at all.

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How do you get Fifth Disease?

Outbreaks of Fifth Disease are more common in winter and spring, but a person may become ill at any time during the year. The virus spreads from person to person just like the common cold. To catch the illness, a person would have to come into contact with the nose or mouth droplets (e.g. through sneezing, sharing drinking cups or utensils) of someone who is infected. When a large number of people are found to have the virus in a certain area, such as a school or child care facility, it usually means that it is also present throughout the community.

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When is Fifth Disease contagious?

People are believed to be contagious for one week before the onset of the rash. Once the rash appears, a person is not likely to spread the infection. As a result, children diagnosed with Fifth Disease do not need to be excluded from school or child care if they are feeling well enough to participate in normal activities. Adults infected with the virus do not need to stay home from work.

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Is there a treatment for Fifth Disease?

Fifth Disease is caused by a virus. There is no specific treatment.

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Is Fifth Disease dangerous?

For most people, Fifth Disease can be viewed as an unimportant rash illness. However, it can cause serious health problems for pregnant women, for people with chronic blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or leukemia and for those who have problems with their immune system. These individuals who have come into contact with someone with Fifth Disease are advised to consult their physician.

The infection may be more serious for pregnant women because there is a very small risk that the unborn child may develop anemia before birth. Women who may become pregnant in the future and who work in schools or child care facilities should ask their physician about a blood test to check their immunity. Those already immune will not get the disease again if exposed to someone with Fifth Disease.

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How can I protect myself?

The best way to protect yourself against Fifth Disease is to:

Discard any soiled facial tissue immediately after use.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Avoid sharing drinking cups or utensils.

Contact your physician about a blood test to determine immunity if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, have a chronic haemolytic anemia or have an immunodeficiency.

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What should I do if I develop Fifth Disease?

Most people infected with Fifth Disease will get better on their own. Pregnant women, those who have a chronic haemolytic anemia or have an immunodeficiency and have been exposed or are infected with the virus should consult their physician.

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For more information

For further information call the Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744.

Additional information about Fifth Disease is available through your physician's office and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Links

General Information:

Canadian Pediatric Society
Ontario Ministry of Health - HealthyOntario.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Pregnancy and Fifth Disease:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention