Fifth Disease

What is Fifth disease?

• It is a mild infection caused by a virus called parvovirus B19.
• It is common in school-age children.
• There is no vaccine to prevent the infection and no medication to treat it.

What are the signs and symptoms of Fifth disease?

• It starts as a very red rash on the cheeks, making the face look like it has been slapped.
  A red lace-like rash also appears, first on the trunk and then to the arms, buttocks, and thighs.
  The rash may last one to three weeks.
• A fever, headache, and feeling of discomfort can occur before the rash appears.
• Many children who are infected do not become ill.
• The illness may be more severe in adults, who may have fever and joint pain. If a pregnant woman becomes infected, there is a small risk that her unborn child may also be infected with a very severe anemia, which can result in the death of the baby.
• People with chronic red blood cell disorders, such as sickle-cell disease, or with problems with their immune system may develop severe anemia.

When is it infectious?

• People with symptoms are contagious for several days before the appearance of the rash.
• Once the rash appears, the person is no longer contagious.
• It takes 4 to 14 days after contact with an infected person for someone to develop fifth disease.

• Children with fifth disease who are well enough to participate in daily activities do not have to be excluded from day care or school.

How is it spread?

• Contact with secretions from the nose and mouth.
• Exposure to blood or blood products.
• Exposure to a fetus in the uterus from a mother who becomes infected during pregnancy.

How do you prevent spread?

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Dispose of tissues containing nose and mouth secretions.

Are there any special precautions?

• Contact your doctor if you are exposed to fifth disease and are pregnant, have a chronic red blood cell disorder, or have a problem with your immune system.

For more information contact KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1287.

Revised: 2010-10-12