Parvo Virus B19 in Humans is best known as fifth disease, a childhood exanthem (a widespread viral rash). Fifth disease is also sometimes known as ‘slapped cheek syndrome’. Fifth disease is most prevalent in children aged 6 to 10, although it can affect people of any age.
Once infected there is an incubation period of 4 to 14 days. During this period the virus can be spread via droplets in the air from the mouth or nose of the infeced person in a similar way to the common cold. Initial symptoms are fever and malaise followed by the widespread rash. Once the rash appears the infectious period has generally passed.
Parovirus in pregnant women can be dangerous, with an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, especially if infection occurs before week 20 of the pregnancy. Treatment is possible with blood transfusions. The good news is that once the child is born, there is no evidence to show that the parovirus infection during pregnancy leads to developmental abnormalities after birth.
