Fifth’s Disease
Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum or “slapped cheek disease,” is an infection caused by parvovirus B19. It is called fifth disease because it was the 5th disease with a red rash described after such disease like measles, rubella, scarlet fever and roseola. Outbreaks most often occur in winter and spring, but a person may become ill with fifth disease at any time of the year. Symptoms begin with a mild fever and complaints of tiredness. After a few days, the cheeks take on a flushed appearance that looks like the face has been slapped. Usually there is a lacy rash on the trunk, arms, and legs. Not all infected persons develop a rash.|
Characteristic rash on the leg of a child
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Characteristic rash on the face of a child
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Characteristic rash on the upper torso of a child |
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If a pregnant woman becomes infected with parvovirus B19, the fetus may suffer damage including the possibility of stillbirth. The woman herself may have no symptoms or a mild illness with rash or joint pains.
Fifth disease is believed to be spread through direct contact or by breathing in respiratory secretions from an infected person. The period of infectiousness is before the onset of the rash. Once the rash appears, a person is no longer contagious. Therefore, a child who has been diagnosed with fifth disease need not be excluded from child care. The rash may last from 1-10 weeks in some cases.
When a child is diagnosed with fifth disease, we recommend that the parent or guardian notify any day care providers or other people at risk for complications from the disease.
