CDC - Parvovirus B19 and Fifth Disease Home Page

Parvovirus B19 infects only humans. It can cause different signs and symptoms, depending on your age and overall health. Parvovirus B19 infection most commonly causes fifth disease, a mild rash illness that usually affects children. Many people infected with parvovirus B19 do not have any symptoms, or they have only mild, nonspecific illness. Read more...

Parvovirus B19 and Fifth Disease Topics

About Parvovirus B19

Describes the virus, illnesses caused by this virus, when people tend to get infected...

Fifth Disease

Describes the disease, signs & symptoms, how it is spread, diagnosed, prevented, treated...

Parvovirus B19 and Other Illnesses

Explains other illnesses that are caused by parvovirus B19 infection...

Pregnancy and Fifth Disease

Provides information about risks to pregnant women, testing, monitoring...

Photos of Slapped-Cheek Rash

Photos of children with slapped-cheek rash caused by fifth disease...

References

Lists references to scientific articles...

Symptoms of Fifth Disease

Fifth disease commonly affects children. The first symptoms may include

Fever
Runny nose
Headache

It typically causes a "slapped cheek" rash on the face—the most recognized feature of fifth disease.

Some people may also have painful or swollen joints, which is more common in adults.

Parvovirus B19 Infects Only Humans

Pet dogs and cats can get infected with other parvoviruses that do not infect humans. Pets can be vaccinated to prevent infection from such parvoviruses.

Since parvovirus B19 infects only humans, a person cannot catch the virus from a dog or cat. Also, a cat or dog cannot catch parvovirus B19 from an infected person.

Parvovirus B19 and Other Illnesses

Parvovirus B19 can cause severe anemia.

This is not very common, but can be serious for people with

weakened immune systems
sickle cell disease or similar long-lasting anemia

Images and logos on this website which are trademarked/copyrighted or used with permission of the trademark/copyright or logo holder are not in the public domain. These images and logos have been licensed for or used with permission in the materials provided on this website. The materials in the form presented on this website may be used without seeking further permission. Any other use of trademarked/copyrighted images or logos requires permission from the trademark/copyright holder...more

This graphic notice means that you are leaving an HHS Web site. For more information, please see the Exit Notification and Disclaimer policy.