What is fifth disease?

Fifth disease (sometimes called “slapped cheek syndrome” because of the rash it causes) is an infection of the airway and lungs. It is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19.

How does fifth disease spread?

This virus spreads the same way as a cold virus does:

• By touching the hands of someone who has the infection.
• By touching something that has been touched by someone who has the infection.
• By coming in contact with the virus in the air, after an infected person has breathed or sneezed.

The virus is most contagious several days before the rash starts. Once it appears, your child can no longer pass it to anyone else.

The virus can also spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.

What are the symptoms of fifth disease?

• It starts as a very red rash on the cheeks, making the face look like it has been slapped.
• After 1 to 4 days, a red, lace-like rash appears, first on the torso (body between head and legs) and arms, and then on the rest of the body.
• The rash may last from 1 to 3 weeks and can vary with changes in the environment such as temperature and exposure to sun.
• Some children get a mild fever.

Can fifth disease be dangerous?

The illness is usually very mild. Children may not even feel sick.

Adults usually get a more severe case, with fever and painful joints. At least 50% of adults had fifth disease as a child and will not get it again.

Certain groups of people need to be watched closely:

• Children with sickle cell anemia or certain other chronic forms of anemia. Fifth disease can make the anemia more severe.
• Pregnant women. 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.

What can parents do?

• There is no vaccine to prevent the infection and no medication to treat it.
• Your child may continue to go to a child care facility or school if feeling well enough to take part in the activities.

When to call the doctor?

• If your child becomes ill with fifth disease and you are pregnant.

Source: Well Beings: A Guide to Health in Child Care (3^rd edition)

Reviewed by the following CPS Committees:
Public Education Advisory Committee

Last updated: November 2007