Fifth disease making the rounds, but nothing to really worry about
May 19, 2025, 6:00 AM | Updated: 8:39 am
Fifth disease, also known as parvovirus B-19, can cause kids to develop some mild symptoms that might be worrisome if you are unprepared. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — A common childhood disease spreading through some Utah schools is getting students sick just in time for summer break.
Fifth disease, also known as parvovirus B-19, can cause kids to develop some mild symptoms that might be worrisome if you are unprepared.
What is Fifth disease?
Fifth disease got its name by chance. Dr. Pavia said back in the day pediatricians decided to count up all the rash illnesses, such as German measles, measles, and chicken pox. Fifth disease just happened to be the fifth one they counted up.
“It’s a fairly mild childhood illness in most cases, where, in many cases, children don’t even know they have it. But the more classic presentation is a low-grade fever and a rash that looks like you were slapped on your cheeks,” said Dr. Andrew Pavia, professor of pediatric and adult infectious diseases at the U of U and the hospital epidemiologist at Primary Children’s.
Pavia also said the rash could appear lacy on the arms and legs. But most cases, outside of the rash, one wouldn’t even realize their child had it.
Though, adults getting it for the first time are more likely to experience joint aches or even arthritis.
How is Fifth disease spread?
Parvovirus B-19 is spread person to person through close contact. Due to how its spread its mostly children that get it.
It spreads easily among kids in daycare centers and elementary schools through sneezing and coughing.
How do you treat it?
Most who get Parvovirus B-19 tend to recover very well and easily.
“It generally doesn’t need much more than Tylenol and maybe bed rest, but typically not,” said Pavia.
The people that are most at risk are those with bone marrow diseases or those who have never had it and are pregnant.
Those who are pregnant see a 1 in 50 chance of their baby developing defects or in some cases may die. But Pavia said most already have immunity from having it as a child and don’t have to worry.
According to Pavia, a simple blood test from a doctor can show if a person has that immunity or not.
But children with Parvovirus B-19 to be on the safe side should probably avoid those who are pregnant, but don’t necessarily need to stay home.
“In general, getting it when you’re young is a good thing because then you’re not going to be at risk for getting it while you’re in your child bearing years where you as a pregnant person or your partner will be immune to it and won’t be able to get it,” said Pavia.
Overall as summer approaches viral diseases should see a decline. Pavia said that measles is the only one that might see a rise in the summer, but one can easily check their immunity with a blood test.
Related: Utah health officials say the state is at low risk for measles despite a drop in vaccination rates
