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| Fifths Disease |
What Is Fifth Disease?
Fifth disease is viral illness that most kids recover from quickly
and without complications. Also called erythema infectiosum, it's caused
by parvovirus B19. It's especially common in kids ages 5 to 15.
Fifth disease causes a distinctive red rash on the face that makes a
child appear to have a "slapped cheek." A few days later, the rash
spreads down to the trunk, arms, and legs. It usually lasts 1 to 3
weeks.
In older kids and adults, fifth disease can cause joint swelling and
pain that can last from weeks to months and, very rarely, years.
Signs and Symptoms
Fifth disease begins with a low fever,
headache, and mild cold-like symptoms (like a stuffy or runny nose).
These symptoms pass, and the illness seems to be gone until the rash
appears a few days later. Kids younger than 10 are most likely to get
the rash.
The bright red rash usually starts on the face. Then, red blotches
(usually lighter in color) appear on the trunk, arms, and legs. After a
few days, the rash, which can be itchy, takes on a lacy net-like look.
In the time that it takes for the rash to completely clear, it may seem to get worse before it finally fades away.
Sometimes fifth disease also can cause swollen glands, red eyes, sore
throat, diarrhea, and rarely, rashes that look like blisters or
bruises. Joint swelling or pain (often in the hands, wrists, knees, or
ankles) can sometimes happen, especially in adults and older teens.
Is Fifth Disease Contagious?
Yes. Because the rash is due to an immune system reaction that happens after the infection has passed, someone with fifth disease is most contagious before the rash appears. Kids usually don't spread the infection once they have the rash.
Can Fifth Disease Be Prevented?
There is no vaccine to prevent fifth disease, and no real way to
prevent spreading the virus because a person usually isn't contagious by
the time the rash appears.
Washing hands well and often is always a good idea because it can help prevent the spread of many infections.
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