What is it?

• Fifth disease is often referred to as “slapped cheek" syndrome because of the red rash it causes. It is an infection of the airway and lungs. Parvovirus B19 causes fifth disease. It’s most commonly seen and spread in the late winter to early spring months.

 

How does fifth disease spread?

​This virus spreads similarly to a cold virus:

• Touching the hands of someone who has the infection and then putting your hands in your mouth.

• Touching an object (such as a toy) that has been touched by someone who has the infection and then putting your hands in your mouth.

• Coming in contact with the virus in the air, after an infected person has coughed or sneezed.

• The virus is most contagious about three days before the rash starts. Once the rash appears, the child is no longer contagious.

• This virus can spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.

 

Signs and Symptoms

• Often times symptoms may be mild or non-existant.  Fifth disease begins with a low-grade fever (102°F (38.9°C)), a headache, and mild cold-like symptoms (a stuffy or runny nose).  Upset stomach's (nausea and diarrhea) can also be a sign of the infection.

• It begins as a very red rash on the cheeks that looks like the face has been slapped.

• After 1 to 4 days, a red, lace-like rash appears, first on the trunk and arms, and then on the rest of the body.

• The rash may last from 1 to 3 weeks. During that time, the rash may come and go.  It can be worse with changes in temperature, exposure to sunlight, and exercise.

 

Can fifth disease be dangerous?

• Fifth disease is usually a mild illness. The child infected may not even feel sick.

• Fifths disease is normally more severe in adults. It is uncommon for people who had fifth disease as a child to get it again as an adult.

• If a child with certain forms of chronic anemia (such as sickle cell) gets fifth disease, their condition may get worse.

• There is a very small risk that an unborn child can develop anemia before birth. If you are pregnant you can have a blood test done to determine whether you had fifth disease in the past. If you did, you would be immune to it now.

• Fifth disease can also be dangerous to people who are having chemotherapy treatment.

 

What should I do if I’m pregnant and not immune to fifth disease? 

• Pregnant women who are not immune usually do not have serious complications after being exposed to others with fifth disease.

• In most cases, these babies will not have any problems. Pregnant women and their babies usually will not have any complications after coming in contact with fifth-disease, however, there is a potential for a baby to develop severe anemia.

• If you're pregnant and develop a rash or have sore joints and have been exposed to someone with fifth disease (or to anyone with an unusual rash), call your health care professional.

 

What can parents do?

• There is no vaccine to prevent the infection and no medication to treat it.

• The best way to prevent the spread of any infection is to wash your hands often.

 

When should I call the doctor?

• If your child becomes ill with fifth disease and you are pregnant, call the doctor.

 

Source: North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca