FIFTH DISEASE (Erythema Infectiosum)
Dear Parents/Guardians,
There have been some recent cases of Fifth’s Disease here at Salmon Bay. Fifth’s is a viral disease caused by the human parvovirus B19. It usually occurs in students in late winter and early spring, sometimes in clusters or outbreaks. The illness is characterized first by a headache, body ache, sore throat, low- grade fever, and chills. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve after a few days. Then, following a week of no symptoms, a bright red rash appears on the cheeks giving a “slapped cheek” appearance, sometimes with a “lacy” rash on the arms and legs. The rash is benign but can fade and recur for a few days or a few weeks, especially in response to changes in environmental temperature. Adults may not develop the rash but sometimes experience pains in the joints of their hands and feet.
Fifth’s disease is spread through respiratory droplets and from mother to fetus so there is an increased risk to pregnant women especially in their first half of pregnancy. If you are pregnant and exposure is suspected, please contact your Obstetrician/Health Care Provider for a plan of care.
Individuals with Fifth’s are probably contagious only from the respiratory secretions early in the illness. Thus, by the time the rash appears, the individual is no longer contagious.
No treatment is indicated for this illness and it is not necessary to be excluded from school unless there is discomfort from the symptoms.
Julie Kaloper, RN BSN
School Nurse
252-1727 Mon am, Tue and Wed
jkaloper@seattleschools.org
