What Is Erythema Infectiosum?
Erythema infectiosum is a common illness of childhood, caused by a virus called human parvovirus B19 (PV-B19). Worldwide, infection with this virus is most common in late winter and early spring. The annual incidence rate of infection is cyclical, with higher rates of infection occurring every four to seven years. The disease is minor in children, but may cause serious health problems in adults, people with deficient immune systems, pregnant women, and people with anemia. Erythema infectiosum is also known as fifth disease and slapped cheek syndrome.
