What is fifth disease?
Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) is an infectious disease that occurs mainly in children. It is caused by a virus. Although it occurs chiefly in children, adults can also be infected. The virus can strike especially in the summer months.
How does fifth disease develop?
Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19. The virus spreads (like the common cold virus) through the air. The disease is most contagious in the period before the rash appears.
What are the symptoms?
Children who have the skin signs of fifth disease are usually not ill; sometimes there is some fever and malaise, but this is usually not much. The skin changes typically begin with red patches on the cheeks (the “slapped cheek” appearance). On average 24 hours after the cheek patches appear, red spots arise on the rest of the skin, usually first on the upper arms and thighs. These patches usually itch slightly, but sometimes cause no complaints at all. After 8–12 days the skin changes have disappeared.
Adults can also be infected with parvovirus B19. In contrast to infections in children, they have a greater chance of pronounced complaints such as joint pains and general malaise, and the skin changes are much less prominent. In pregnant women who become infected there is thought to be an increased risk of the death of the unborn child.
How is the diagnosis made?
Fifth disease is easy for the (family) doctor to recognise from the typical skin signs.
How is it treated?
There is no treatment against this virus infection. The complaints disappear by themselves.
When to see a doctor
Fifth disease is usually mild, but see your GP if an adult develops marked joint pains or feels very unwell, if a person with a blood disorder or weakened immune system is affected, or if a pregnant woman has been exposed to or infected with the virus, as it can occasionally affect the unborn baby and warrants checking.