In this Article

• What is "fifth disease"?
• What are the symptoms of fifth disease?
• What are the serious complications of fifth disease?
• What is the treatment for fifth disease?
• How is the virus spread and should I be isolated if I have fifth disease?
• Fifth Disease At A Glance
• Pictures of Childhood Skin Problems - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Fifth Disease - Describe Your Experience
• Fifth Disease Glossary
• Fifth Disease Index

What are the serious complications of fifth disease?

Rarely, patients develop erythrocyte aplasia. This is when the bone marrow stops forming a normal number of red blood cells. This complication is rare and usually transient but can be fatal. Patients who are immunocompromised (having an immune system that has been impaired by disease or treatment) are at a high risk of this complication.

Pregnant women (who have not previously had the illness) should avoid contact with patients who have fifth disease. The fifth disease virus can infect the fetus prior to birth. And, while no birth defects have been reported as a result of fifth disease, in 2%-10% of infected pregnant women, it can cause the death of the unborn fetus.

What is the treatment for fifth disease?

The treatment is supportive only. Fluids, acetaminophen, and rest are important. Antibiotics are of no use in the treatment of fifth disease since it is a viral illness. In those with persistent arthritis, antiinflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used.

How is the virus spread, and should I be isolated if I have fifth disease?

The virus of fifth disease is spread mostly by droplets. This means that when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can be spread. However, once the rash is present, the person is usually no longer infectious and need not be isolated.

Fifth Disease At A Glance

• Fifth disease is caused by a virus.
• Symptoms include low fever, fatigue, a "slapped cheeks rash," joint aches, and a whole-body rash.
• Diagnosis is made based on clinical features.
• Rarely, fifth disease can have complications.
• Fifth disease can cause a miscarriage.

Previous contributing author:

Medical Author: Frederick Hecht, MD, FAAP, FACMG

Fifth Disease - Describe Your Experience

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