Human parvovirus

Human parvovirus B19 is the cause of the childhood disease erythema infectiosum, also known as slapped cheek or fifth disease. The virus is spread by the respiratory route and infects red cell pre-cursors.

Human parvovirus is a common viral pathogen with world-wide distribution.

The age-specific immunity to human parvovirus in Victoria has been estimated as:

	0-9 years	28%
	10-19 years	51%
	20-39 years	60%
	40-59 years	75%
	>60 years	78%

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