Fifth disease has been called "slapped cheek" disease because of the characteristic red rash that often appears on both cheeks of a child who contracts the virus. It was named fifth disease because it was fifth on a list of diseases that resulted in rashes and were once common in early childhood, after measles, scarlet fever, rubella (German measles) and a condition known as Duke's disease.
The Virus
Fifth disease is a mild illness caused by human parvovirus B19, which is contagious and easily transmitted from child to child and sometimes to adults. Although dogs and cats are vaccinated against a type of parvovirus, the dog or cat virus is not transmittable from animals to humans, and the human virus is not transmittable to your pet.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of fifth disease may include sore throat, headache, upset stomach and itchiness. A low-grade fever and fatigue may occur. Children may develop a red, lace-like rash on their face, arms, legs and torso that can persist for up to several weeks after exposure to the virus. Children usually don't experience the joint pain and swelling that affects adults who contract the disease.
By the time symptoms develop, the child is usually no longer contagious. Not every child who contracts fifth disease will have visible symptoms. A blood test for antibodies to parvovirus B19 can confirm the disease when there are no obvious symptoms.
Treatment
Contact your doctor if your child develops symptoms of fifth disease or anytime your child has a temperature of more than 102 degrees. There may not be much the doctor can do except rule out other conditions.
Over-the-counter fever reducers and pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are prescribed in most cases. The child should rest and drink plenty of fluids.
In rare cases where a child is immuno-deficient or has cancer, leukemia, sickle-cell anemia or another type of chronic anemia, fifth disease can become more serious and hospitalization and blood transfusion may be necessary.
Prevention
There is no vaccine available to prevent fifth disease. The disease spreads like a cold or flu and is transmitted via respiratory secretions and physical contact. As with any virus, the best prevention is good hygiene, including plenty of hand washing. Refrain from sharing eating utensils or drinking bottles or cups.
Pregnant women who have not had fifth disease in the past should avoid contact with children who have it because the disease can be transmitted to the fetus and serious complications can occur.
Outcome
There are generally no complications or lasting effects in healthy children who get fifth disease. Once you have been infected with parvovirus B19, you will not develop fifth disease again. Most adults who test positive for antibodies for the disease don't even remember having it as children.
