Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Parvovirus is a virus that causesfifth disease. Many pregnant people have immunity from the disease and do not pass the virus on to their babies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of pregnant people are immune to parvovirus B19.
Pregnant people without immunity don’t usually develop serious symptoms. Neither do their babies. The CDC explains that a severe parvovirus infection that leads to miscarriage occurs in less than 5% of pregnancies.
Fifth disease can also occur in children and adults, though it’s more common in school-age children. It’s a very contagious virus but usually produces mild symptoms.
Verywell / Katie Kerpel
Symptoms of Parvovirus
Somesigns and symptoms of a parvovirus infectioninclude:
The facial rash that occurs with a parvovirus infection is the most apparent symptom. It usually shows up within four to 14 days of infection. A rash can also sometimes appear elsewhere on the body. The rash may be itchy and painful.
Some people never develop any symptoms after contracting parvovirus. However, asymptomatic people can still pass it onto others.
Fifth disease develops when a person is infected with parvovirus B19, or human parvovirus—which is different from parvovirus that affects animals.
The disease is very contagious and is transmissible via:
Fifth disease gets its name because, historically, it appeared fifth on a list of common childhood diseases that produced skin rashes.
If you are pregnant and suspect you have come into contact with parvovirus, you should see your healthcare provider right away. A practitioner will usually perform a physical exam to diagnose parvovirus. However, if you are pregnant, your medical professional will likely order a blood test.
While a blood test will confirm if you have parvovirus, antibody testing can determine whether a person has ever come into contact with parvovirus and has immunity.
If parvovirus is suspected based on these tests and/or ultrasound, fetal viral testing with amniocentesis (sampling of the amniotic fluid) is offered. However, this is very rare.
In most cases, parvovirus goes away on its own. However, because there is a risk for miscarriage in pregnant people, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider who can monitor the situation. There is no vaccine or cure for parvovirus infection.
A practitioner may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to help relieve joint pain and other flu-like symptoms. If you are pregnant, don’t take any medications without first speaking to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
In severe parvovirus infection, IV immune globulin therapy may be considered, in which the patient is administered antibodies to the virus.
What is Hydrops Fetalis?Hydrops fetalis affects fetuses or newborns. It’s a serious condition that causes extreme levels of fluid buildup and swelling that can impact organ function. Healthcare providers may request that pregnant patients with parvovirus receive frequentultrasoundsto check for complications like hydrops fetalis.
What is Hydrops Fetalis?
Hydrops fetalis affects fetuses or newborns. It’s a serious condition that causes extreme levels of fluid buildup and swelling that can impact organ function. Healthcare providers may request that pregnant patients with parvovirus receive frequentultrasoundsto check for complications like hydrops fetalis.
A Word From Verywell
If you are pregnant and think you have parvovirus, be assured that, in most cases, a parvovirus infection will not have serious complications. Let your healthcare provider know if you have come into contact with someone who has fifth disease. They will test you to determine if you have an infection.
If you find out you have parvovirus, be careful because it’s very contagious. Be sure to wash your hands regularly and stay away from people with compromised immune systems.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parvovirus B19 and fifth disease.Cedars Sinai.Fifth disease in children.Cleveland Clinic.Parvovirus infection.Spokane Regional Health District.Fifth disease & pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fifth disease.Perez EE, Orange JS, Bonilla F, Chinen J, Chinn IK, Dorsey M, El-Gamal Y, Harville TO, Hossny E, Mazer B, Nelson R, Secord E, Jordan SC, Stiehm ER, Vo AA, Ballow M.Update on the use of immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of evidence.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 139(3S):S1-S46. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.023MedlinePlus.Hydrops fetalis.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parvovirus B19 and fifth disease.Cedars Sinai.Fifth disease in children.Cleveland Clinic.Parvovirus infection.Spokane Regional Health District.Fifth disease & pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fifth disease.Perez EE, Orange JS, Bonilla F, Chinen J, Chinn IK, Dorsey M, El-Gamal Y, Harville TO, Hossny E, Mazer B, Nelson R, Secord E, Jordan SC, Stiehm ER, Vo AA, Ballow M.Update on the use of immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of evidence.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 139(3S):S1-S46. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.023MedlinePlus.Hydrops fetalis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parvovirus B19 and fifth disease.Cedars Sinai.Fifth disease in children.Cleveland Clinic.Parvovirus infection.Spokane Regional Health District.Fifth disease & pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fifth disease.Perez EE, Orange JS, Bonilla F, Chinen J, Chinn IK, Dorsey M, El-Gamal Y, Harville TO, Hossny E, Mazer B, Nelson R, Secord E, Jordan SC, Stiehm ER, Vo AA, Ballow M.Update on the use of immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of evidence.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 139(3S):S1-S46. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.023MedlinePlus.Hydrops fetalis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parvovirus B19 and fifth disease.
Cedars Sinai.Fifth disease in children.
Cleveland Clinic.Parvovirus infection.
Spokane Regional Health District.Fifth disease & pregnancy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fifth disease.
Perez EE, Orange JS, Bonilla F, Chinen J, Chinn IK, Dorsey M, El-Gamal Y, Harville TO, Hossny E, Mazer B, Nelson R, Secord E, Jordan SC, Stiehm ER, Vo AA, Ballow M.Update on the use of immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of evidence.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 139(3S):S1-S46. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.023
MedlinePlus.Hydrops fetalis.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
