Virtual Children's Hospital: CQQA: Fifth Disease

Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: October 2001
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

What is fifth disease?

Fifth disease is an illness.
It is called "fifth" disease because it is was the 5th viral rash discussed in medical textbooks.

What causes fifth disease?

Who can get fifth disease?

What are the symptoms of fifth disease?

Symptoms may begin like a mild cold, with a slight fever, stuffy or runny nose, and a headache.
These symptoms usually pass. A rash may show up 6-11 days later.
The bright red rash usually begins on the face. The cheeks look like they have been slapped.
The rash can spread in blotches to the trunk, arms, legs, and bottom. The center of the rash may clear up. The rash looks like a net or lace.
Most children do not have an itch or fever. The rash may itch some older children and adults.
Sunlight, heat, exercise, and stress can make the rash worse.
Other symptoms could include swollen glands, red eyes, sore throat, diarrhea, and a rash that looks like blisters or bruises.
Some older children and adults with fifth disease also may have joint pain or swelling (in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles).
Children with leukemia, blood disorders, and a weak immune system may become very ill from fifth disease. They may become anemic, pale, have a fast pulse, and breathe very fast. They will probably feel tired, sick, and have a fever. They often do not have a rash.
Some people with fifth disease will not have any symptoms, especially adolescents or adults.

Is fifth disease contagious?

Yes. Fifth disease is contagious.
It is spread by fluids in the mouth and throat, like when someone coughs or sneezes.
A pregnant woman can pass the virus to her unborn child. This is not usually a serious problem.
Infection is spread most easily between people living in the same house or children in the same classroom.
Fifth disease is contagious for the first 7-11 days of illness. If your child has a rash, she is probably not contagious anymore. It shows the infection is gone.
Contact the school or daycare if your child has fifth disease.

How is fifth disease treated?

Fifth disease cannot be treated with antibiotics.
No medicine is usually necessary because the illness is very mild.
If your child is itching from her rash, ask the doctor about a lotion or cream to help her.
Oatmeal baths sometimes help itching.
Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (such as Advil) may help adolescents with joint pain.
Do not use aspirin for children with fifth disease. It could cause serious problems.

How long does fifth disease last?

The rash fades slowly. It may take 1-3 weeks to clear.
Older children and adults may have joint pain and swelling for months or even years.

How can fifth disease be prevented?

There is no vaccine for fifth disease (No shot to prevent the illness).
You can help prevent the spread of infection in your house by washing your hands often, throwing away used tissues, and not sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if you are pregnant and start to get a rash.
Call the doctor if you are pregnant and have been around someone with a rash or fifth disease.
Call the doctor if your child has a rash, especially if the rash is red and on the child's face.
Call the doctor if your child gets a rash and also has a blood disorder, a weak immune system, or cancer.
Call the doctor if your child has a rash and a fever.

Quick Answers

Fifth disease is an illness caused by a viral infection.
It is most common in children ages 5-15.
Symptoms may begin like a mild cold and then turn into a rash.
Fifth disease is spread when someone coughs or sneezes.
No medicine is usually necessary because the illness is very mild.
It may take 1-3 weeks for the infection to clear.
There is no vaccine for fifth disease.
Call the doctor if your child has a rash or if you are pregnant and have been around someone with fifth disease.

References

CDC. Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum). InteliHealth. 2001 June 3 (cited 2001 September 27). Available from: URL: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtPrint/WSIHW000/20722/18665.html?k=basePrint
CDC. Fifth Disease in the Child Care Setting. 1997 January (cited 2001 September 27). Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/abc/facts14.htm
Health Square. Erythema Infectiosum. (cited 2001 September 27). Available from: URL: http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc0620.htm
Rutherford, K M.D. Fifth Disease. KidsHealth. 2001 May (cited 2001 September 27). Available from: URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=&article_set=22773

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