[The fifth disease--erythema infectiosum. Parvovirus infection in a family group].

The causative agent of Erythema Infectiosum (EI), also known as the fifth disease, has been shown to be Human Parvovirus B19. This virus may also cause foetal damage, resulting in spontaneous abortion, hydrops foetalis or stillbirth. Three cases of Human Parvovirus infection in a family are presented. The child has a classical rash. The father had a rash and joint-symptoms, which is common in adults. The mother had a subclinical infection, which is seen in the majority of EI cases. As the woman was pregnant, ultrasonic tests were carried out frequently to detect possible hydrops foetalis. This pregnancy resulted in a healthy full term infant weighing 3,610 g.