INFECTIOUS AGENT

• human parvovirus B19, a single-stranded DNA virus

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

• most commonly, contact with infectious respiratory secretions

• also transmitted transplacentally and via blood and blood products

DISTRIBUTION

• worldwide; common in children

INCUBATION PERIOD AND COMMUNICABILITY

• 4 to 20 days to development of rash

• probably not communicable after onset of rash; immunosuppressed persons with chronic infection may be communicable up to years after onset

TREATMENT

• supportive only

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

• isolation not practical in community at large

• hospitalized patients with transient aplastic crisis should be isolated

• hand washing after patient contact

FACTORS FACILITATING EMERGENCE

• a pervasive virus that has only recently drawn increased attention

• as a hematogenous infection, it may increase in importance in immunosuppressed persons and as a threat to the blood supply

DISEASE(S) AND SYMPTOMS

• lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymphomatous meningitis

• cutaneous lesions (generalized erythroderma, papules, nodules, plaques, and maculopapular rashes)

  fever and abdominal symptoms may occur

• arthritis is frequently reported

• disease ranges from subacute to rapidly lethal (median survival for ATLL is 8 months)