Physical signs
Effects on pregnancy and the unborn baby
Tests and treatments
Parvovirus B19, also known as '5th disease', 'erythema infectiosum' or 'slapped cheek syndrome' is a viral illness. It is spread by an infected person coughing and sneezing or coming in contact with their contaminated items (such as tissues, drinking glasses or soiled hands). Human parvovirus is most infectious before the rash appears. Once the rash can be seen, the person is no longer infectious. After having parvovirus, the person is usually immune for life.
The incubation period for Parvovirus B19 (or the time period from coming in contact with the virus and becoming ill) is about 4 to 20 days, with an average of 14 days.
Physical signs
Up to 40 to 60% of adults are immune to parvovirus, especially those working with children (childcare, teachers etc). Many people are not aware they have had the illness as a child, because the physical signs can be mild. If they are unwell, the physical signs are often flu-like including fever, tiredness, possibly a cough, red cheeks (giving a 'slapped cheek' appearance), an itchy lace-like rash on the body, arms and legs, joint pain and swelling (especially in adults). The rash disappears in 7 to 10 days.
Effects on pregnancy and the unborn baby
Pregnant women who are not immune and become infected with parvovirus, usually only experience a mild illness, which does not cause birth defects. However, if a woman is infected during the first 20 weeks of her pregnancy, this can increase her chances of miscarrying to about 10%. About 3% of the remaining babies can possibly develop
anaemia. Sometimes this is severe enough to lead to a condition called 'fetal hydrops', which can sometimes be life-threatening for the baby. However, many unborn babies recover well on their own without treatments, while others require a blood transfusion while still in the uterus, before birth.
Tests and treatments