Parvovirus B19 (fifths disease) 

Parvovirus B19 also called fifths disease or erythema infectiosum is a very common virus in school-aged children. It is more common in the US in the late winter to early summer. 

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms typically include mild cold-like symptoms as well as fever, headache, cough, sore throat, rash, and joint pain. Approximately 20% of people will be asymptomatic. 

Rash

The rash typically occurs on the face/cheeks and is often called the “slapped cheek” rash. It typically occurs after the fever and cold-like symptoms in children but is often not present in infected adults. Once the rash appears, the child is typically not contagious. 

Joint pain

Pain and swelling in the joints can also occur. Unlike the rash, this is more often seen in adults than children, especially adult females. The pain typically lasts 1-3 weeks but may persist for months. 

Why do we care? 

For most Parvovirus B19 is a mild disease. However, it can cause severe anemia. Particularly in those with underlying blood disorders such as thalassemias, leukemia, sickle cell disease, or weakened immune systems. 

Pregnant women

It is also of concern to pregnant women. anyone who is pregnant and may have been exposed to parvovirus B19 should contact their obstetrician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. It is not common, but an infected mother can spread Parvovirus B19 to their fetus resulting in severe anemia. Rarely, this may cause a miscarriage. A Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage by approximately 5% and the risk is greatest in the 1st and 2nd trimester. 

Spread 

Parvovirus B19 is spread by respiratory droplets or during pregnancy from the mother to the baby. A person is most contagious when they have fever or cold-like symptoms. They are often not contagious when they have a rash or joint pain. 

Parvovirus B19 infects people only, a person cannot get the virus from a dog or cat. Also, dogs and cats cannot get parvovirus B19 from an infected person. Dogs and cats can get infected with other parvoviruses that do not infect people. Dogs and cats should be vaccinated to protect them from these parvoviruses.

Prevention & Treatment

There is no vaccination available for Parvovirus B19 infection, the best way to protect yourself is to do the following: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth 
• Cover your mouth/nose when you cough or sneeze 
• Avoid contact with sick people 

There is also no specific treatment. Mostly this is a mild illness that resolves on its own. Patient with anemia or joint pain require treatment specified by their physicians.