. "B CATALOG OF EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE AGENTS." Emerging Infections: Microbial Threats to Health in the United States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1992.
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Emerging Infections: Microbial Threats to Health in the United States
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
