Font Size  Definition of Parvovirus infection  Parvovirus
infection: Infection with one of a family of small single-
stranded DNA viruses. (Parvovirus means small virus, from the
Latin parvus, small.) One type, parvovirus B19, infects only
humans. There are also animal parvoviruses, but they do not
infect humans. A person cannot catch parvovirus B19 from a dog
or cat. The diagnosis of parvovirus B19 can be confirmed by a
blood test.  Parvovirus infection in childhood: The most common
illness caused by parvovirus B19 is "fifth disease." It occurs
most often in children. The child typically has a "slapped-
cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and
limbs. The rash may itch. The child does not usually seem very
ill. The rash resolves in 7 to 10 days. Once a child recovers,
he or she has lasting immunity and is protected against future
infection.  Parvovirus infection in adulthood: Adults can and do
become infected with the virus. In adults, the flu-like symptoms
are often more severe and the cond