Chronic Anemia
In those people with conditions that affect the immune system (immunodeficiency conditions), they may not be able to completely recover from parvovirus B19. In these cases, a person may develop chronic anemia. Some conditions in which a parvovirus B19 infection can cause chronic anemia include:
Fetal Infection
Parvovirus B19 infections usually do not affect the fetus. It is estimated that less than 10 percent of parvovirus B19 infections in pregnant mothers cause fetal death. When fetal death does occur, it is most commonly due to nonimmune hydrops fetalis (excess fluid in the connective tissue of the fetus), which causes severe anemia and
congestive heart failure (Inability to maintain adequate circulation of blood).
There is no evidence that a parvovirus B19 infection in the mother can cause birth defects.
Transmission of Parvovirus B19
Parvovirus B19 has been found in the respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva, sputum, and nasal mucus) of infected people before the onset of the rash, when they appear to still "just have a cold." Parvovirus B19 is probably spread from person to person by direct contact with those secretions, such as sharing drinking cups or utensils.
In a household, as many as 50 percent of susceptible people (those who are exposed to a family member who has parvovirus B19) may become infected. During school outbreaks of parvovirus B19, 10 to 60 percent of students may get
fifth disease.
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