A student at our school, or in your child’s class (K-1 and Grade 1) has been diagnosed with Fifth disease.
Information on Fifth disease:
What is it?
Fifth disease is a mild rash illness that usually affects children. The first stage of the illness consists of headache, body ache, sore throat, low-grade fever, and chills. These symptoms last about 2-3 days and are followed by a second stage, lasting about a week, during which the person has no symptoms at all. Individuals are most infectious before the beginning of their symptoms. In children, the third stage involves a bright red rash on the cheeks, which gives a “slapped cheek” appearance. This may be followed by a “lacy” rash on the trunk, arms and legs. The rash begins 17-18 days after exposure and at this stage the child is no longer contagious. The rash may appear on and off for several weeks. Adults may not develop the third-stage rash but may experience joint pain, sometimes severe, particularly in the hands and feet. The disease is usually mild, and both children and adults usually recover without problems.
What causes it?
It is caused by a Parvovirus B19 virus, which lives in the nose and throat. It can be spread from person to person in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These contaminated droplets are then inhaled or touched by another person.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
The diagnosis in children is based on the clinical symptoms of the typical facial rash. A laboratory test for the Parvovirus B19 can be used for adults or people at higher risk for complications from fifth disease. There is no specific treatment for fifth disease. Health care providers may suggest treatment to relieve some of the associated symptoms. There is no vaccine to prevent fifth disease.
How can it be prevented?
Since the infected person is not usually diagnosed until well after the contagious period, good hygiene and proper handwashing to prevent the spread of the virus is the only prevention.
Take these precautions: