Human parvovirus B19 – also known as fifth disease or erythema infectiosum – is a common childhood infection causing a rash and flu-like symptoms. The name sounds more ominous than the infection is. The name fifth disease is derived from its fifth place on the list of childhood viral rash diseases. The previous four include measles, rubella, chicken pox and roseola. Although typically seen in children, adults can get it also. It is usually mild in healthy people, however the CDC reported an increase in parvovirus last year.
Human parvovirus is not to be confused with canine parvovirus, parvovirus is more well known as a serious, sometimes fatal illness for dogs, especially puppies. The virus that dogs get is a different disease than the human virus. It is not a zoonotic disease – zoonotic meaning that it can be transferred between animals and humans. Canine parvovirus and human parvovirus B19 are different viruses with different symptoms, treatments and prevention methods.
Symptoms of parvovirus in dogs include fatigue, loss of appetite, inactive, high fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. The virus can be acquired in areas where dogs urinate and defecate. If your puppy has not been fully vaccinated for parvo, they could pick it up in rest areas, dog parks and other common areas.
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