Predilection for rapidly dividing cells such as erythroid progenitor cells- hence the anaemia
School Teachers and mothers of preschool and school age children very susceptible
Transmission – droplets from oral or nasal secretions
Can also be transmitted parenterally through blood or blood product transfusion, or vertically from mother to fetus
Incubation period is 4–20 days.
Infectious 10 days before the onset of the rash and remain contagious for only 1–2 days after the rash appears Risk of intrauterine infection rise with increasing gestational age, ○ <16weeks – 15%
○ >16weeks – 25–70% ○ Highest risk is in T2 (17 – 24 weeks)
