Fifth Disease in Children
Fifth disease is a mild illness, caused by parvovirus B19, that occurs most commonly in children. The illness is commonly characterized by a rash on the face that resembles a slapped cheek.
 
Transmission of Fifth Disease in Children
The virus that causes fifth disease (parvovirus B19) has been found in the respiratory secretions (saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) of infected people before the onset of the rash, when they still appear to "just have a cold." Fifth disease transmission probably occurs from child to child, by direct contact with those secretions, such as sharing drinking cups or utensils.
 
Fifth disease infections can occur year-round, but they are more common during winter and spring months.
 
Excluding children with fifth disease from childcare centers or schools is not likely to prevent the spread of the virus, since children are contagious before they develop the rash.