Robyn's Nest - The Parenting Network

Fifths Disease

By: Amy Molina, RN, C.

Fifth Disease was so named because it was the fifth pink/red infectious rash to be described by physicians. The other four are Scarlet Fever, Measles, Rubella, and Roseola.

Fifths disease is diagnosed by the following findings:

Bright red or rosy rash on both cheeks for 1-3 days (slapped cheek appearance.)

Rash on cheeks is followed by pink "lace-like" rash on extremities

No fever or low grade temp (less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit)

It is caused by the human parvovirus B19. Fifth Disease is a very mild disease with either no symptoms or a slight runny nose and sore throat. The lace-like rash may come and go for 5 weeks, especially after warm baths, exercise or sun exposure. In adults, this disease can be very serious with complications.

No Treatment Necessary

Over 50% of children exposed to this disease will come down with the rash in 10-14 days. Because the disease is mainly contagious during the week before the rash begins, a child who has the rash is no longer contagious and does not need to stay home from school.

If you are pregnant and are exposed to this disease, see your obstetrician. If you have never been exposed before, you will be monitored closely. Research shows that in 10% of unborn babies exposed to this through the mothers during pregnancy, severe anemia can develop or the baby could die.

This virus, however, does not cause birth defects.

If you have had the disease before you became pregnant, you will have the antibody and are therefore protected from getting Fifth Disease a second time.

Call your doctor if:

	The rash becomes itchy
	Your child develops a fever over 101
	You feel your child is getting worse

fifths disease rash

A bright red rash on the cheeks is a distinctive sign of parvovirus infection.

By Mayo Clinic staff © 1998-2004 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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