Fifth disease appears at local school

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - A Westfield elementary school is alerting parents to a possible outbreak of fifth disease.

Maple Glen’s school nurse sent parents the alert via email on Jan. 15. The email says several students have contracted the virus since winter break. 

Fifth disease is a virus that produces a bright red rash on the face. The rash is often called “slapped cheek rash” because of its appearance. Fifth disease often spreads to the body and can last seven to 10 days. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control:  “Fifth disease is transmitted primarily by respiratory secretions (saliva, mucus, etc.) but can also be spread by contact with infected blood. The incubation period (the time between the initial infection and the onset of symptoms) is usually between 4 and 21 days. Individuals with fifth disease are most infectious before the onset of symptoms. Typically, school children, day-care workers, teachers and mothers are most likely to be exposed to the virus. When symptoms are evident, there is little risk of transmission; therefore, symptomatic individuals need not be isolated.”