Fifth Disease is a mild to moderately contagious viral infection that is common among children between the ages of 5 and 15. It is particularly prevalent in the winter and spring seasons. Although it can resemble other childhood rashes, such as rubella and chickenpox, fifth disease typically begins with a unique and sudden appearance of bright red cheeks. It got its name decades ago because it was fifth on the list of 6 childhood rashes. The other rashes are rubella, measles, scarlet fever, chickenpox and roseola infantum.
The virus is caused by parvovirus B19. It is spread via respiratory droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through blood. By the time the rash appears, the infected individual is no longer contagious and can resume his/her daily activities. The incubation period is usually 4-14, but can sometimes take as long as 21 days.
There is little or no risk posed to healthy children and adults. However, it does pose a 5% risk to pregnant women and people with chronic anemia. A pregnant woman who is infected in the first trimester may develop severe anemia in the fetus and is at 10% risk of miscarriage.
Tips for Reducing the Spread of Fifth Disease
Education:
Admin staff at schools should educate teachers, students and parents about identifying the symptoms of Fifth Disease and request that the symptoms be reported.
Admin staff should educate teachers and other staff members regarding the measures they can take to reduce the risk of exposure.
Detection/Preventative Measures:
If there is evidence that the infected individual(s) has the disease, students and their parents should be asked to obtain a medical diagnosis from their family physician.
Frequent hand washing and covering the nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing are two of the most practical and effective ways of reducing the spread of the virus.
Avoid sharing drinking glasses and utensils.
A common misconception is that if your pet has been parvovirus you can catch it from them. Each type is species-specific, which means that the type of parvovirus only affects species of the same kind.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
The virus is caused by parvovirus B19. It is spread via respiratory droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through blood. By the time the rash appears, the infected individual is no longer contagious and can resume his/her daily activities. The incubation period is usually 4-14, but can sometimes take as long as 21 days.
There is little or no risk posed to healthy children and adults. However, it does pose a 5% risk to pregnant women and people with chronic anemia. A pregnant woman who is infected in the first trimester may develop severe anemia in the fetus and is at 10% risk of miscarriage.
Tips for Reducing the Spread of Fifth Disease
Education:
Admin staff at schools should educate teachers, students and parents about identifying the symptoms of Fifth Disease and request that the symptoms be reported.
Admin staff should educate teachers and other staff members regarding the measures they can take to reduce the risk of exposure.
Detection/Preventative Measures:
If there is evidence that the infected individual(s) has the disease, students and their parents should be asked to obtain a medical diagnosis from their family physician.
Frequent hand washing and covering the nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing are two of the most practical and effective ways of reducing the spread of the virus.
Avoid sharing drinking glasses and utensils.
A common misconception is that if your pet has been parvovirus you can catch it from them. Each type is species-specific, which means that the type of parvovirus only affects species of the same kind.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
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