Childhood Diseases and Illnesses
Fifth Disease (erythema infectiosum, parvovirus B19)
Description/Symptoms
- Caused by a virus (parvovirus B19)
- Mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch.
- Rash may be more pronounced during exercise, stress, or environmental changes (e.g. temperature and exposure to sunlight).
- An ill child may have a low grade fever, tiredness or cold like symptoms few days before the rash breaks out.
- The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days.
- Found in respiratory secretion (e.g., saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) of infected persons before the onset of rash, when they appear to "just have a cold."
- Spread probably from person to person by direct contact with those secretions, such as sharing drinking cups. A person infected with parvovirus B 19 is contagious during the early part of the illness, before the rash appears.
- During school outbreaks, 10% to 60% of students may get fifth disease.
- There is no vaccine for parvovirus B19.
Instructions for Schools
- Does not need to be reported to Peel Public Health.
- Child may attend school if feeling well enough to take part in activities since they are no longer able to spread the disease.
- Exclusion is not necessary as this does not control further spread of the outbreak.
- Pregnant personnel should be advised to contact their physician in making their decision to work when an outbreak occurs.
- Peel Public Health does not recommend that staff be excluded.
- Encourage thorough hand washing and respiratory etiquette.
Notes
- No treatment is indicated.
- By adulthood 50-80% of people have been previously infected with parvovirus B19, have developed immunity to the virus, and cannot get fifth disease again if exposed.
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