Overview Of Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19. The virus only infects humans; it’s not the same parvovirus that dogs and cats can get. Fifth disease mostly affects children. Symptoms can include a low fever, cold symptoms, and a headache. Then you get a red rash on your face. It looks like a “slapped cheek.” The rash can spread to the arms, legs, and trunk. Adults who get it might also have joint pain and swelling.
Fifth disease spreads easily, through saliva and mucus. You can get it when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Frequently washing your hands might help prevent getting the virus. Most people become immune to the virus after having it once.
Fifth disease is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, it can be serious if you
- Are pregnant
- Are anemic
- Have cancer or a weak immune system
Commonly Associated With
Parvovirus B19; Slapped cheek rash
Causes Of Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is caused by human parvovirus B19. It often affects preschoolers or school-age children during the spring. The disease spreads through the fluids in the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.
The disease causes a tell-tale bright-red rash on the cheeks. The rash also spreads to the body and can cause other symptoms.
You can get fifth disease and not have any symptoms. About 20% of people who get the virus do not have symptoms.
Symptoms Of Fifth Disease
Early symptoms of fifth disease include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny nose
This is followed by a rash on the face and body:
- The tell-tale sign of this illness is bright-red cheeks. This is often called a “slapped-cheek” rash.
- The rash appears on the arms and legs and middle of the body, and it may itch.
- The rash comes and goes and most often disappears in about 2 weeks. It fades from the center outwards, so it looks lacy.
- Some people also have joint pain and swelling. This more commonly occurs in adult women.
Exams & Tests
Your health care provider will examine the rash. Most often this is enough to diagnose the disease.
Your provider can also do blood tests to look for signs of the virus, although it is not needed in most cases.
The provider may choose to do a blood test in certain situations, such as for pregnant women or people with anemia.
Treatment Of Fifth Disease
There is no treatment for fifth disease. The virus will clear up on its own in a couple of weeks. If your child has joint pain or an itchy rash, talk with your child’s provider about ways to ease symptoms. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) for children can help relieve joint pain.
