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Parvovirus B19 Infection

What is a parvovirus infection?

Parvovirus, or human parvovirus B19, is a common virus that spreads easily from person to person. It causes an illness known as fifth disease or erythema infectiosum. Fifth disease is a common childhood illness and usually goes away on its own. People usually only get sick from parvovirus once in their lives.

Human parvovirus B19 is not the same as the parvovirus that affects dogs and cats.  

Symptoms of a parvovirus B19 infection

Signs and symptoms of a parvovirus infection (fifth disease) include: 

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Red rash on the cheeks 
  • Lace-like rash on the chest, back, arms, and legs

Parvovirus can cause more problems in children with certain health conditions. This includes children who have:

Parvovirus infection and sickle cell disease

Parvovirus can cause aplastic crisis in people with sickle cell disease and other disorders that affect red blood cells. An aplastic crisis occurs because the bone marrow suddenly stops making red blood cells. When the body cannot make new red blood cells, red blood cell counts can decrease to very low levels. This results in severe anemia.

During an aplastic crisis, your child may look pale and feel weak or tired. Your child may also have a fever, fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath. People with sickle cell disease often do not get a rash with parvovirus.

Other complications that may happen are acute chest syndrome, enlarged spleen, or other damage to the body. It is rare for an aplastic crisis to happen more than once. Most people only get sick from parvovirus once in their life.

If your child has sickle cell disease and shows signs of parvovirus or aplastic crisis, seek emergency medical help right away.

Learn more about aplastic crisis

Diagnosis of a parvovirus infection

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about any symptoms.

Some children are at higher risk for complications due to parvovirus. If your child has sickle cell disease, leukemia, HIV infection, is on chemotherapy, or has a weak immune system, your care team will do additional tests. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), testing for evidence of current or past parvovirus infection in the blood, and possibly tests of the bone marrow.

Treatment of a parvovirus infection 

There is no medicine to treat parvovirus infection. It usually goes away on its own in about 10 days.

If your child’s blood count drops too low during an aplastic crisis, they may need a blood transfusion. 

How to prevent a parvovirus infection

Parvovirus spreads easily. If you or your child have been near someone with parvovirus or fifth disease, then you have been exposed to the virus.

 If your child has parvovirus, they should stay away from people who:

  • Have sickle cell disease or other red blood cell disorder
  • Have weak immune systems
  • Are pregnant. Parvovirus can harm unborn babies.

To help prevent the spread of germs, everyone should follow simple steps:

  • Stay away from people who are sick.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
  • Stay home if you don’t feel well.

Questions to ask your care team

  • What are the signs and symptoms of parvovirus infection?
  • Is my child at risk for complications of parvovirus infection?
  • How long does a parvovirus infection last?
  • How can I prevent parvovirus infection?
  • When should I call the care team?

Key points about parvovirus

  • Parvovirus, or human parvovirus B19, is a common virus that spreads easily from person to person. It causes a childhood illness known as fifth disease.
  • Symptoms of fifth disease may include fever, cold symptoms, joint pain, and a red rash on the cheeks.
  • Parvovirus can cause an aplastic crisis in people with sickle cell disease and other red blood cell disorders.
  • If your child has a blood disorder and shows symptoms of an aplastic crisis, get emergency medical help right away.

—
Reviewed: September 2024

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