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.