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Fifth disease epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
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Overview
Overview
Parvovirus infections are most common in children aged five to fifteen years and outbreaks can arise especially in nurseries and schools.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Although people from any age may be affected by parvovirus, parvovirus infections are most common in children aged five to fifteen years. By the time adulthood is reached about half the population will have become immune following infection at some time in their past. Outbreaks can arise especially in nurseries and schools.
In a household, as many as 50% of susceptible persons exposed to a family member who has fifth disease may become infected. During school outbreaks, 10% to 60% of students may get fifth disease.
During outbreaks of fifth disease, about 20% of adults and children who are infected with parvovirus B19 do not develop any symptoms. Furthermore, other persons infected with the virus will have a non-specific illness that is not characteristic of fifth disease. Persons infected with the virus, however, do develop lasting immunity that protects them against infection in the future.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]