Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)
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What is fifth disease?
Fifth disease is a mild viral infection that is more common in children. It is caused by human parvovirus B19. The medical name for fifth disease is erythema infectiosum. It is called fifth disease because it was fifth on a list of illnesses that caused rashes in children in the past. Fifth disease is sometimes called “slapped cheek disease”. The illness’s bright red rash on the face looks like the child has been slapped.
About half of people get fifth disease sometime during childhood or their teens. Once you’ve had fifth disease, are unlikely to be at risk of getting it again.
Symptoms of fifth disease
The first signs of fifth disease are mild flu- or cold like symptoms, including:
- low-grade fever
- sore throat
- headache
- stuffy or runny nose
- fatigue
After a few days of these symptoms your child may develop a bright red, raised rash on their face. The rash may then spread to the arms, legs and trunk of the body. After 5 to 10 days, the rash usually fades. It fades from the center outward, making it look blotchy. It could show up again when your child gets hot or is out in the sun. This could go on for several weeks or months after the illness.
Adults who catch the virus usually don’t develop the rash. Instead, they are more likely to experience joint pain or swelling. This usually happens in the hands, wrists, knees and ankles. This can last several months, but usually gets better after 1 to 2 weeks. Some adults who get fifth disease don’t experience any symptoms.
Symptoms usually show up about 4 to 14 days after exposure, although the rash may not appear for as long as 3 weeks. Once your child has the rash, they are not contagious anymore.
What causes fifth disease?
Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19. This is not the same parvovirus that can infect dogs and cats. It is spread when you or your child come into contact with saliva or mucus carrying the virus. It can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or sharing items. It can also be spread through blood. A pregnant woman who has fifth disease could pass it to her baby.
How is fifth disease diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can usually tell if your child has fifth disease by seeing the “slapped cheek” rash. A blood test can be used but is not usually needed.
Can fifth disease be prevented or avoided?
There is no vaccine for fifth disease. You can prevent your child from getting it by helping them practice good hygiene habits. These include:
- Washing hands often with soap and water.
- Covering the mouth and nose with their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Not touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.
- Keeping them home when they are sick
Fifth disease treatment
Most cases of fifth disease are mild. They go away without treatment. You can treat fever and flu symptoms in your child with acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol).
Adults who have joint pain or swelling may need to rest and restrict activity. They also may want to take medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin) for the pain.
Living with fifth disease
Most children and adults who get fifth disease experience only mild illness. They recover completely and have no complications. But fifth disease can cause problems in certain cases:
- Pregnant women who have been exposed to fifth disease should contact their family healthcare provider. In about 5% of pregnant women, the baby develops severe anemia. When this happens, miscarriage or stillbirth can occur. The mother can take medicines to treat the virus. In some cases, the unborn baby might need a blood transfusion. If you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider about fifth disease. They can tell you if you need to take any special steps to avoid the virus. The fifth disease infection does not cause birth defects or developmental problems.
- People who have immune system problems, may need special treatment to help fight the infection. This includes people who have had organ transplants, or who have cancer or HIV.
- Chronic anemia. People who have sickle-cell disease or other types of chronic anemia could have problems if they get fifth disease. They could develop severe anemia that requires blood transfusions.
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