Fifth Disease

scientific name
Erythema infectiosum
cause
viral illness caused by parvovirus B19
spread
human–to–human contact
incubation
4 to 28 days, with the average being 16 to 17 days
symptoms
by week one, low grade fever and tiredness; by the third week, a red rash generally appears on the cheeks giving a slapped face appearance
communicability
People with fifth disease appear to be contagious during the week prior to the appearance of the rash.
prevention
Measures to effectively control fifth disease have not been developed yet. During outbreaks in schools, pregnant school employees and people with chronic red blood cell disorders should consult their physician and the local or state health department for advice.
treatment
no specific treatment is available at this time