May 27, 2025
Date: 5/30/2025
To: Parents/ Guardians
From: Adrienne Baker, RN – BSN/ District Nurse
This letter is to inform you that cases of Fifth Disease (erythema infectiosum), a common childhood illness caused by parvovirus B19, have recently been identified in our school community.
What is Fifth Disease? Fifth Disease is a mild rash illness caused by parvovirus B19. It is more common in children than adults.
Fifth Disease usually presents with:
· A bright red “slapped cheek” rash on the face.
· A lacy red rash on the chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs. The rash may be itchy, varies in intensity, and may occur on and off for 1-3 weeks whenever there is exposure to sunlight or heat.
· Sometimes mild fever, runny nose, or headaches present before the rash appears.
There is no specific treatment for Fifth Disease. The illness is generally mild for children and adults who are otherwise healthy and resolves on its own.
Transmission: Fifth Disease spreads through respiratory secretions including saliva, sputum, nasal mucous, coughing and sneezing. Once an individual recovers from Fifth Disease, they develop immunity that generally protects them from future infections. For some people, Fifth Disease can cause serious health complications, including those with weakened immune systems, blood disorders and pregnant women. If you are pregnant or immunocompromised and may have been exposed, please contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Contagiousness:
· Fifth Disease is most contagious before the rash appears.
· Once the rash appears, the virus is no longer considered contagious. Students do not need to be excluded from school once the rash appears.
What you can do at home:
· Monitor for symptoms such as rash, fever or flu-like illness.
· Keep your child home if they are feeling unwell and notify the school nurse if a diagnosis is made.
· Encourage frequent hand washing and good hygiene.
· Contact your primary care provider if you have any concerns.
We are continuing to monitor the situation and taking appropriate steps to prevent further spread. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the school nurse at (207)672-3300/ (207)672-5572 or Adrienne.Baker@sad13.org.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community healthy.
Sincerely,
Adrinne Baker, RN-BSN
District Nurse