What is Fifth disease?
Fifth disease was so named because it was the fifth pink-red
infectious rash to be described by doctors.
With Fifth disease:
- Your child has a bright red or rosy rash on both cheeks
for 1 to 3 days ("slapped cheek" appearance).
- The rash on the cheeks is followed by a pink lacelike or
netlike rash on the arms and legs (mainly on the thighs and upper arms).
- The "lacy" rash comes and goes several times for 1 to 3
weeks.
- Your child has a low-grade fever (less than 101°F, or
38.4°C) or no fever at all.
What is the cause?
Fifth disease is caused by a virus called human parvovirus
B19.
How long does it last?
This is a very mild disease with either no symptoms or a
slight runny nose and sore throat. The lacelike rash may come and go for 5
weeks, especially after warm baths, exercise, and sun exposure.
How can I take care of my
child?
No treatment is necessary. This distinctive rash is harmless
and causes no symptoms that need treatment.
Is there a risk to pregnant
women?
Yes. If a pregnant woman is exposed to a child with Fifth
disease, she should see her obstetrician. An antibody test will be done to see
if the mother already had the disease and is therefore protected. If she does
not have antibodies against the disease, the pregnancy will need to be
monitored closely. Some babies develop complications if they were infected
with Fifth disease before birth. 10% develop severe anemia and 2% may die.
Birth defects, however, are never a result of this virus.
When is it most contagious?
Children will come down with the rash 10 to 14 days after they
have been exposed to the virus. The disease is contagious during the week
before the rash begins. Therefore, exposed children should try to avoid
contact with pregnant women, but that can be difficult. Once a child has the
bright red or lacy rash, he is no longer considered contagious and does not
need to stay home from day care or school.
Most adults who get Fifth disease develop just a mild pinkness
of the cheeks or no rash at all. Adults develop joint pains, especially in the
knees, more often than a rash. These pains may last 1 to 3 months. Taking
ibuprofen usually relieves these symptoms. An arthritis workup is not
necessary for joint pains that occur after exposure to Fifth disease.
When should I call my child's
health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
- Your child develops a fever over 104° F (40° C).
- You have other concerns or questions.
