Parvovirus B19 is different from the type of parvovirus that infects animals. You can’t get the infection from your pet, or infect them. Parvovirus usually doesn’t cause symptoms. You may take some over-the-counter medications but it’s unlikely you’ll need to see a healthcare provider for further treatment. Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19.
The parvovirus in humans is different than the one by the same name found in dogs and cats. Humans get a different type: B19. Parvovirus B19 is a common infectious disease that spreads from person to person and most often results in no or very mild symptoms. The virus sometimes targets the cells that mature into red blood cells. Infection causes a temporary stoppage of the production of these cells. The effect of this stoppage is only apparent in individuals who don’t produce normal red blood cells.
The parvovirus causes fifth disease, also known as “slapped cheek” disease, which is very common in school-aged children.
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Parvovirus affects people of all ages and ethnic groups. You’re more likely to have symptoms if you’re immunocompromised (your immune system doesn’t work as well) or have problems producing normal red blood cells. Healthy school-aged children are also more likely to get the infection but experience no or very mild symptoms.
Up to 50% of adults in the United States have had a parvovirus B19 infection. Most experience no symptoms or mild symptoms.
Human parvovirus is present in the nasal mucus, spit or saliva. The virus can be spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may also spread through blood or contaminated blood products. Pregnant people with parvovirus can spread the virus to the fetus through the placenta.
Pregnant people who become infected may be at increased risk for a miscarriage, although most people have been infected prior to pregnancy and are thus protected against infection. Most pregnant people who become infected during pregnancy produce normal, healthy babies.
Rarely, the fetus may be at greater risk for fetal anemia or hydrops fetalis, a condition in which there is an abnormal buildup of fluid in two or more areas of the body. People who become infected during the first half of their pregnancy are at greatest risk for hydrops fetalis.
No, the virus can't be spread from pet to person because the parvovirus that affects humans differs from the type that affects dogs.
A parvovirus infection is caused by the parvovirus B19 virus that spreads from person to person.
Symptoms of a parvovirus B19 infection in children can be different than in adults. Symptoms include:
The parvovirus can also, rarely, cause you or your child’s body to stop making new blood cells. This is a serious symptom because it can cause severe anemia. You may experience this symptom if you have:
Symptoms of fifth disease caused by the parvovirus include:
The rashes can stick around for several weeks — getting better or worse, coming and going. Heat, sunlight and stress can make the rashes worse.
Sometimes a second rash occurs several days after the slapped cheek rash appears. It may be present on your arms, legs, chest, back or butt. The rash might cause itching and discomfort. It usually disappears after seven to 10 days, but sometimes it lasts for several weeks.
The parvovirus B19 incubation period (the time between when you’re exposed to the virus to when you have symptoms) is between three days and three weeks. If you have symptoms, you’ll only have them for a short time, about five to seven days.
You are no longer infectious after the rash from fifth disease appears.
No, your diet does not affect a parvovirus B19 infection.
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination, ask about any symptoms you’re experiencing and what medications you’re taking. In most cases, no testing is done as there aren't usually symptoms.
If your healthcare provider suspects you may have parvovirus B19 and you are at high risk for complications, they might test your blood or bone marrow (this is rare) or, if you’re pregnant, amniotic fluid or blood from the fetal cord. If they suspect you had it in the past, they may check for antibodies in your blood.
If you’re pregnant, your healthcare provider may recommend more ultrasounds to keep an eye on the fetus.
Parvovirus is usually self-limiting, which means it will disappear on its own. For children and adults who are generally in good health, no treatment is necessary. However, you may want to try the following:
It’s unlikely that you’ll need treatment for a parvovirus B19 infection. But, if you do, you can see your primary healthcare provider.
The symptoms should go away after five to seven days.
Currently there is no vaccine available to prevent human parvovirus infection, although research is being done on possible vaccines.
Tips for preventing or reducing the risk of infection include:
Yes, but not until after you’ve had the infection. You can’t get it again. Antibodies to the virus in your blood indicate that you have been infected and are immune to getting it again.
Yes. The parvovirus B19 should go away after five to seven days.
After the rash associated with fifth disease appears, you’re not contagious. You may return to work or school.
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop serious complications if they become infected with parvovirus.
There are usually no complications with fifth disease.
Most people don’t even get the symptoms of parvovirus B19. Those that do experience mild symptoms that last five to seven days. It doesn’t interfere with your daily life for too long unless you’re pregnant or immunocompromised.
No. You’re no more or less likely to get other infections just because you’ve had parvovirus B19.
Although about half of the population gets fifth disease at some point, there is usually no treatment needed.
If you even have the symptoms of parvovirus B19, they should be mild enough that you don’t have to see a healthcare provider. However, no matter what, you should get checked out if you’re pregnant.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Parvovirus is usually harmless. But if you’re pregnant or immunocompromised, you should still see your healthcare provider. Follow all of their treatment recommendations.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/10/2021.
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