A CDC Alert for ‘Fifth Disease’

August 14, 2024

The CDC has issued a public health alert for the seasonal respiratory virus parvovirus B19 that appears to be increasing in the U.S.

The virus, also sometimes known as “Fifth Disease,” is transmitted through respiratory droplets. The agency noted it has seen higher positivity rates for the virus and clusters of associated complications among pregnant people and people with sickle cell disease. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Transmission:  The virus is highly transmissible, with 50 percent of susceptible people infected after household exposure and 20–50 percent of susceptible students and staff infected during school outbreaks.
  • People working in close contact with children are at high occupational risk for infection
• Symptoms:  Many people with an infection are asymptomatic, but others may notice two phases of symptoms.
  • Phase one usually involves fever, malaise, and muscle aches.
  • Phase two, usually seven to 10 days after illness, could include a facial rash and joint pain in children and a rash on the trunk and joint pain for adults.
  • Of note, those with infection are most contagious during the first phase of illness.
• Treatment:  There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus. Most people require only supportive care during the acute phase of illness and will recover completely, and severe outcomes (myocarditis, hepatitis, or encephalitis) are rare.
• Top concerns:  The virus can lead to severe complications among those without preexisting immunity who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have chronic hemolytic disorders.

The CDC’s advisory includes recommendations for health care providers, health departments, and the public.

The advisory is available to review online. For additional information, contact Lauren Geary, BS, RRT-NPS, CIC, project manager, infection prevention.