Parvovirus B19


Parvovirus is responsible for Fifth Disease or erythema infectiosum. It commonly infects children and typically causes a mild rash that may resemble a “slapped-cheek” and various symptoms (anemia, arthralgia, fever or a flu-like syndrome).

When affecting healthy children or adults, no lasting effects are observed. When contracted during pregnancy, however, transmission from mother to fetus can have serious implications such as fetal anemia and intra-uterine death.