Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B19) and Pregnancy

Fifth Disease is caused by a virus called Parvovirus. It can be a concern for pregnant women, people with blood disorders, and problems with their immune system.

If a pregnant woman becomes infected in the first 20 weeks of her pregnancy, there is a small chance that she could pass it on to the developing baby and this may cause the baby to develop anemia . This occurs in less than 5% of all pregnant women who are infected and occurs more often in the first half of the pregnancy. Fifth Disease has not been known to cause any physical or mental birth defects.

If you are in the first half of your pregnancy and think you have Fifth Disease see your family doctor.  Women in the first half of pregnancy should also see their family doctor if they have been in contact with someone who has Fifth Disease.

Begins with a slight fever, but most children do not feel sick. A bright red rash appears on the cheeks, followed 1-4 days later by a lace-like rash on the arms, body and legs. The rash may last 1-3 weeks and may worsen if exposed to heat and sunlight.

At least 50% of adults have had Fifth Disease in childhood and will not get it again if exposed to a child who has it.  Those adults who catch Fifth Disease may not get a rash but may have mild joint pain for about two weeks.

Usually spreads through the air in the same way as a cold virus, when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks.  It can also be spread by hands or objects that have been touched by an infected person.

Fifth Disease commonly occurs in children, especially in the winter and spring seasons when the disease is widespread in the community.  By adulthood 50 – 80% of people have been infected with Fifth Disease and will not get it again if exposed. 

There is no treatment for Fifth Disease and no vaccine is available. Practice good personal hygiene and good hand washing. Cover nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing and carefully dispose of used facial tissues.