Definition

• Erythema Infectiosum is a common infectious disease of childhood.

• The disease is called "fifth disease" because, in the pre-vaccine era, it was the "fifth" of six diseases that children commonly contracted.

Causes

• Fifth disease is caused with a viral infection by Parvovirus B19.

Symptoms

• Fever

• Common Cold symptoms, including runny nose, congestion, and cough

• Headache

• Malaise

• About a week to 10 days after the above symptoms, children typically develop a rash over the face and body.

1. The facial rash is bright red and covers the cheeks, leading to the name "slapped cheek" rash.

2. The body rash usually starts on the trunk and moves out along the limbs, and is lace-like and itchy.

3. The rash usually resolves by itself over several days to weeks, but can recur for weeks to months when the child is exposed to changes in temperature, or to bright sunlight or other environmental stimuli.

Screening and Diagnosis

• Because fifth disease has such a classic appearance, the diagnosis is usually made with history and physical examination alone.

• In cases where the diagnosis must be confirmed, such as when pregnant caregivers may have been exposed to an ill child in the home, blood tests can be used.

Risk Factors

• Exposure to children with the disease raises the risk of infection.

• However, like many other viral illnesses, children with fifth disease are contagious for 1 to 2 weeks before their symptoms develop.  It is, therefore, very difficult to avoid exposure to those with the infection.

Treatment

• There is no treatment for fifth disease; affected children resolve the infection on their own over a period of days to weeks.

Complications