Download Fifth Disease Fact Sheet

Infectious Disease Fact Sheet
Fifth Disease
What is it?
Fifth disease, also called “slapped cheek disease”, is an infection caused by a virus called
parvovirus B19. This is a common childhood illness and most often occurs in the winter and
spring. Fifth disease may also occur in adults, however most adults have had this infection in
childhood or adolescence.
What are the symptoms?
 Infection starts with a patchy red rash on the cheeks (slapped cheek appearance)
 One to four days later, a lace-like rash develops on the rest of the body. The rash may
last 1-3 weeks or longer and may come and go especially following exposure to sunlight,
heat or bathing
 In adults, the illness may include joint pain or arthritis and the typical rash may not
appear
 Up to 25% of people who are infected may have no symptoms at all
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually begin 4-20 days after being exposed to someone with the infection.
How is it spread?
 Spread person to person by fluids from mouth, nose and throat, such as coughing and
sneezing
 Can be spread by touching objects that have been touched by an infected person such as
sharing drinking cups or utensils
 It can be spread from mother to unborn baby, or through transfusion of blood or blood
products
How long is a person contagious?
A person with Fifth Disease is contagious during the early part of the illness before the rash
and/or joint symptoms appear, and probably not contagious thereafter. Persons infected with the
virus do develop lasting immunity that protects them against infection in the future.
For more information, please contact:
Niagara Region Public Health, Infectious Disease Program
1-888-505-6074 or 905-688-8248 ext. 7330
www.niagararegion.ca
Revised September 2009
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Infectious Disease Fact Sheet
Is it serious?
For most people, Fifth Disease is usually a mild illness and resolves without treatment among
those who are otherwise healthy. However, Fifth Disease can cause serious health problems for
people with chronic blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease or leukemia) and for those who
have problems with their immune system.
For a pregnant woman or her baby, usually there are no serious complications because of
exposure to Fifth Disease. Pregnant women who are already immune are protected from
infection and illness. Pregnant women who are unsure of their immunity should consult with
their health care provider if they are exposed to discuss having a blood test to check their
immunity and risk for infection.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific treatment for this infection as it is caused by a virus. However, exposed
people at high risk of complications or serious illness should be closely monitored by their
physician.
When can a person return to work/school/daycare?
Exclusion of persons with Fifth Disease from work/school/daycare is not recommended because
they are no longer contagious once rash appears. Routine exclusion of pregnant women from the
workplace where cases of Fifth Disease is occurring is also not recommended. The decision to
stay away from a workplace where there are cases of Fifth Disease is a personal decision for a
woman to make after discussion with her family physician and employer.
How can it be prevented?
 Place any soiled facial tissues in the garbage immediately after use
 Clean your hands often
 There is no vaccine or medicine that prevents parvovirus B19 infection
This information is intended to provide general health-related information about Fifth Disease. It
is not intended to replace medical consultation by your physician and/or other health care
professionals.
Source: Control of Communicable Diseases Manual 19th D.L. Heymann, M.D. 2008 CDC Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease) Fact Sheet,
2005 CDC Parvovirus B19 Infection and Pregnancy Fact Sheet, 2005
For more information, please contact:
Niagara Region Public Health, Infectious Disease Program
1-888-505-6074 or 905-688-8248 ext. 7330
www.niagararegion.ca
Revised September 2009
Page 2 of 2