Incubation: Variable, from 4-20 days until development of rash

Symptoms: Characteristic is a striking erythema of the cheeks (slapped face appearance) followed in 1-4 days by a lace-like rash on trunk and extremities which fades but may reappear. 

Method of Spread: contact with infected respiratory secretions

Communicability: greatest before onset of rash,

Control: Children with fifth's disease do not need to be excluded since they are not contagious once the rash occurs. 

Pregnancy Caution: There have been reports over the last several years of parvovirus B19 infections of pregnant women and their fetuses.  There is no evidence whatsoever that this virus causes abnormalities in live born infants.  Exposure to this virus can however cause fetal loss if a pregnant woman becomes infected with it.  The risk of her becoming infected is one in five and of an infected woman losing her fetus one in twenty.  There are special laboratory tests available to tell an exposed person if they have become infected or if they are immune to the virus.  Pregnant women may want to consult their doctors. 

Most often seen: during the spring season.

If you have any further questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school nurse.