Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
Clinical Manifestations
A mild infection caused by a human parvovirus (B19). It is characterized by a facial rash with a "slapped cheek" appearance and a lace-like rash on the trunk and extremities. Reddening of the skin may recur due to nonspecific stimuli such as temperature or sunlight. Low-grade fever and mild systemic symptoms may be seen. Transmission occurs primarily through contact with infectious respiratory secretions. Droplet contact and close person-to-person contact are the modes of transmission. In people with certain red blood cell abnormalities, such as sickle cell disease, this infection can cause an aplastic crisis. Infection with the virus can also cause chronic anemia in immunodeficient people. Infection is most common in school-aged children. Epidemics of the illness can occur in schools, usually in late winter and spring.
Incubation Period
From 4-14 days; can be as long as 21 days.
Period of Communicability
During the week prior to the appearance of the rash; by the time the rash appears, they are probably no longer infectious.
Applicable Laws For Indiana Schools
A local health officer or the commissioner, upon learning or being notified of communicable diseases that are not covered by any specific control measures in this section, shall place such restrictions upon the movements of cases or carriers and their contacts as may be reasonably necessary to prevent the spread of disease. Specific control measures for the selected diseases or conditions are listed in sections 52 through 112 of this rule. For control measures for diseases or conditions not listed insofar as applicable, the procedures prescribed in the Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 17th Edition, 2000, a publication of the American Public Health Association, shall be followed to the extent that they are not in conflict with the laws of Indiana or this rule. (410 IAC 1-2.3-51).
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Although children with Fifth Disease are most communicable before onset of illness, it may be prudent to exclude from school while fever is present.
School Nursing Implications
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Inform high risk people within the school when a case of Fifth Disease has been identified: persons with chronic hemolytic anemia, congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies, and pregnant women.
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Pregnant women should consult with their health care provider and notify them of the positive case.
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Persons in aplastic crisis are probably contagious for one week after the onset of symptoms, so they should be excluded from school.
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Hand washing and disposal of used tissues are measures to control transmission.
Related Sites/Additional Information
http://www.nih.gov/health/InformationIndex/HealthIndex/Pubincov.htm
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/parvovirus/B19.htm
Fifth Disease Quick Facts
- Where do I obtain a copy of an Indiana birth or death certificate?
- What is INShape Indiana?
- How do I create an INShape account?
- Where is the INShape Indiana login page?
- Can I talk to an INShape Indiana fitness trainer about my specific health needs?
- Is the old INShape Indiana tracking system still available?
- Can I talk to an INShape Indiana nutritionist about my specific health needs?
- As an adopted child, how do I get information about my birth parents?
- How do I request a representative from INShape Indiana to attend my event?
- How can I find out more about the flu epidemic?
