Alternative Names erythema infectiosum, slapped cheek syndrome
Definition Fifth disease is a viral illness that usually affects children. It is caused by parvovirus B-19. It is usually associated with a fever and a rash.
What is going on in the body? Fifth disease is caused by human parvovirus B-19. It usually occurs in the spring in school-aged children, preschoolers, or adolescents. Fifth disease is spread through respiratory secretions. Four to 12 days after exposure, symptoms follow. The illness usually lasts for 5 days but the rash can come back following exposure to too much sunlight, heat, exercise or stress. The rash usually begins on the cheeks then appears on the arms, thighs, buttocks and the trunk. The rash usually fades in 1 to 2 weeks.
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
rash on the cheeks. The rash on the cheeks is usually so striking that the child has a "slapped cheek" appearance.
rash on the body. The rash on the arms and thighs is usually a pink, "lacelike" rash.
itching.
fever, usually low grade.
headache.
joint pain.
What are the causes and risks of the disease? Children in daycare, preschool, elementary and high schools are at risk. It is spread from person to person by respiratory secretions. Coughing and sneezing spreads the disease.
What can be done to prevent the disease? This is a very contagious viral disease. There is no vaccine or other way to prevent it. General precautions including good hand-washing and avoiding the respiratory secretions of others might decrease the spreading of the disease.
How is the disease diagnosed? A doctor can make the diagnosis.
What are the long-term effects of the disease? There are few long-term effects in children affected with fifth disease. This is a benign viral infection. Complete recovery is expected. The parvovirus B-19 has been associated with other conditions such as anaemia in individuals with AIDS or sickle cell anaemia.
What are the risks to others? This is a highly contagious viral infection. It is spread through respiratory secretions. If fifth disease is passed from a pregnant woman to her foetus, the baby may develop severe anaemia, or shortage of red blood cells, and widespread swelling. This condition, known as hydrops foetalis, can cause stillbirth.
What are the treatments for the disease? There are no necessary treatments. Fever or joint pain may be helped with over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol. Aspirin should never be given to children with acute viral infections, since it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome. Cool baths or compresses may help relieve itching from the rash.
What are the side effects of the treatments? Since little treatment is needed there are few side effects. Paracetamol has few side effects in children when given in proper doses. Prudent use of cool baths or compresses has few side effects.
What happens after treatment for the disease? Usually this disease goes away within 7 to 10 days. There are usually no complications.
How is the disease monitored? If the disease is suspected, a doctor or doctor can provide advice.
Author: James Broomfield, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
