Erythema infectiosum: an epidemic with a probable posterythema phase

An outbreak of erythema infectiosum occurred in an Ontario school in the spring of 1983. This benign disease ran a 19-day course in the index case and appeared in most of the child's grade 1 classmates. A few adults were also affected. In eight children flu-like symptoms persisted or occurred suddenly and lasted for several days after the rash had vanished. A plan of management that involves communication with parents, teachers and the public health service is outlined for the general practitioner.