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Fifth disease, caused by the parvovirus, is a viral infection characterized by red cheeks and a pale mouth. It is highly contagious and spreads through human-to-human contact. Although generally harmless, pregnant women experiencing their first exposure can experience complications. There is no treatment, but over-the-counter pain medications can help with symptoms.
Fifth disease, also commonly known as “slapped cheek disease,” is a viral infection caused by the parvovirus and characterized by bright red cheeks and a pale mouth, hence the nickname. The disease got its official name because it was the fifth fever/rash disease to be identified after others such as chicken pox and measles. It is a common and harmless disease that most people have been exposed to by the time they reach adulthood, although it can affect adults as well.
Fifth disease is usually diagnosed by the presence of the typical red cheeks and pale skin around the mouth. A red and/or bumpy rash may also spread to the chest, back and abdomen. Heat and sunlight can exacerbate the rash, which can disappear and reappear over several months. In 25% of cases, fever may also appear, together with mild flu symptoms. Headaches, body aches, and body aches are not uncommon with fifth disease.
In some people, fifth disease begins with pain and fever that ends, then the rash breaks out one to three weeks later. Sometimes, the rash appears without any previous symptoms. Many affected children never show any symptoms of fifth disease, which goes unnoticed and goes undiagnosed.
Fifth disease is highly contagious, as most viruses tend to be. It spreads through human-to-human contact, through coughing, saliva, or a runny nose. It is most contagious before the rash breaks out, the day before the fever starts, and while the fever is running. The contagious period ends 24 hours after the fever disappears and after the rash has broken out. The incubation period lasts approximately four to 14 days, but can be as long as 21 days.
Although fifth disease is generally a harmless disease, pregnant women experiencing their first exposure can experience complications. Exposure is most dangerous in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and there is a small chance of miscarriage. Most people most likely were exposed in childhood and carry immunity to fifth disease.
There is a blood test to diagnose fifth disease, but it is generally only used to confirm exposure in pregnant women. There is no treatment, but Benadryl is suggested to relieve the itching that occurs due to the rash. Some adults experience joint discomfort and swelling for a few weeks. Over-the-counter pain medications can help with these symptoms.
In rare cases, those with sickle cell disease, or other hemolytic anemia or immunodeficiency disorder, may experience sudden and severe anemia from exposure to fifth disease. This can be life-threatening, so a visit to the doctor or emergency room is recommended.
