Dear Parents,
We want you to be aware that a few of our students have been diagnosed with Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B19). Fifth Disease is mildly contagious and is spread through contact with droplets from the nose, mouth or eyes.
A virus causes Fifth Disease and it usually begins as a brief, mild illness with a low-grade fever, headache, and non-specific aches and pains that lasts five to seven days. A distinctive facial rash then appears that is very red and resembles a “slapped cheek”. The child may also develop a lacy-appearing rash on the trunk, buttocks, arms, and legs which may cause itching. Sometimes, the rash may come and go for weeks, especially if the child becomes overheated or goes in the sun.
It takes four to 21 days to show symptoms of Fifth Disease after exposure to an infected person. The illness can only spread during the week before the rash develops. Therefore, a child is not contagious once the rash appears and students are allowed to attend school with the rash unless they have fever or feel too ill to attend.
You can help prevent the spread of infection by good hand washing, especially before meals and after using the restroom, disposing of all used tissues in the trash, and by covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of the arm (not the hand). Women who are expecting and have been exposed to Fifth Disease should speak with their obstetrician for additional information. Please contact your health care provider or our school nurse if you have further questions.