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What is Fifth Disease?

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, August 13, 2009.

Fifth Disease is a common childhood illness caused by a virus known as the Human Parvovirus B19.

What are the Symptoms of Fifth Disease?

It is usually a mild infection causing a skin rash and a fever. The most notable characteristic of the infection is very red cheeks - it appears if the cheeks have been slapped, hence the term "slapped-cheek disease" is sometimes used. Then a lacy-like, itchy rash appears on the trunk, arms and legs which fades but may reoccur for up to three weeks or longer after infection, especially when exposed to sunlight or heat (bathing). Most infected children have a short lived illness.

Pregnant females who come in contact with Fifth Disease in the first half of pregnancy face a less than 10% chance that the virus will affect the production of red blood cells in the fetus, which may lead to severe anemia resulting in the miscarriage or stillbirth.

How Do You Get Fifth Disease?

Fifth Disease is passed from person to person through contact with infected nose and throat secretions such as coughing, sneezing or sharing drinking glasses and utensils. The symptoms usually start to show in about 4 to 20 days after contact with the virus.

How Long is a Person Infectious?

An infected person is most likely infectious or able to pass on the infection before the rash appears and when he/she may only have a fever. Therefore, children should be excluded from school only until the fever is gone.

Is There Any Treatment for Fifth Disease?

Because Fifth Disease is caused by a virus, there is no cure for it. Washing hands frequently, covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing and avoid sharing eating utensils are all ways to control the spread of this infection.