Fifth disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is an illness consisting of a mild rash that occurs mostly in children. The disease is caused by an infection of human parvovirus B19, which is unrelated to the parvovirus cats and dogs are immunized against, according to the CDC. Symptoms of fifth disease in children are usually mild unless it goes without treatment or infects a child with existing health concerns.
Early Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, most children feel well even after becoming infected with parvovirus. The early symptoms resemble the common cold and last five to 10 days. Symptoms may include sore throat, mild fever, stomach discomfort, headache, fatigue and itching.
Progressive Symptoms
Within a few days a child may develop a bright-red facial rash that appears on both cheeks. The Mayo Clinic explains that this rash is distinctive and sometimes resembles the marks of a slap on the face. The rash can persist for up to three weeks and often spreads to the arms, chest, thighs and buttocks. Other traits of the rash include pink, lacy, raised tissue.
Other Symptoms
KidsHealth.org reports that some children do not experience any symptoms besides the rash. Some stimuli, such as sun exposure, heat, exercise and stress, can cause the rash to become more pronounced until it completely disappears. Some children may have swollen lymph nodes, eye redness and, sometimes, rashes that look like blisters or bruises. In rare cases, the rash may be followed by joint pain.
