What are the risks of Fifth disease in pregnancy?
Fifth disease is a common mild illness caused by Parvovirus B19. Airborne respiratory droplets spread the infection. Its symptoms can include a distinctive Òslapped cheekÓ rash, mild fever, headache, sore throat, and joint pain in children. Adults may experience mild flu-like symptoms and are less likely to develop a rash. About 50% of adults have had the infection in childhood often without knowing it. Fortunately, most fetuses are not affected when their mothers contract the virus, however up to 9% of the fetuses may develop severe anemia resulting in miscarriage or stillbirth. Fifth disease in pregnancy has not been proven to cause birth defects.
