Is Fifth Disease Serious

Complications. Fifth disease is usually mild for children and adults who are otherwise healthy. But for some people, parvovirus B19 infection can cause serious health complications, such as chronic anemia that requires medical treatment.

How long is 5th disease contagious?

Doctor’s response. The incubation period — the time that elapses between contracting parvovirus B19 (the virus of fifth disease) and the start of the illness — is 4 to 12 days. A person infected with parvovirus B19 is only contagious during the early part of the illness, before the rash appears.

Can adults catch fifths disease?

Fifth disease is much more common in children, but it can happen in adults. Adults who get fifth disease often develop flu-like symptoms without the rash.