George White Elementary School Reports Cases of Parvovirus B19

Capistrano Unified School District has sent a notice to parents, via its Listserv, that a few students at have been diagnosed with parvovirus B19, which is most commonly called fifth disease or slapped-cheek disease.

It is most common in school-age children; many adults have had the infection and are immune. Symptoms—though some people have none—can include:

• Fatigue.
• A striking red rash on the cheeks, giving a “slapped face” appearance.
• A second lace-like rash several days later on the trunk and extremities.
•  In adults, joint pain or swelling that may last days to months.

The rash may fade but recur intermittently for one to three weeks with exposure to sunlight or heat. In adults, the rash may not occur or may be different from the typical rash in children.

The spread of parvovirus infection occurs mainly through contact with infected respiratory secretions. Infected people are most likely to spread the infection to others before the rash appears. Once the rash occurs, the person is no longer infectious. 

A pregnant woman who becomes infected can pass the virus to her fetus. Although it is rare, life-threatening fetal anemia can occur. Parvovirus infection does not cause birth defects. A blood test is available to determine whether or not a person has had the parvovirus infection in the past and is therefore immune.

If you are pregnant, contact your health care provider and inform him that there has been a case of fifth disease in your child’s school.

Follow the instructions provided by your physician.