Reviewed by Dr. Clement J. Cheng
Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum and “slapped cheek disease,” is a viral infection common among school-age children. Fifth disease is only mildly to moderately contagious and is spread most often in the winter and spring. It is caused by the parvovirus B-19 and is spread by respiratory secretions or blood from an infected person.
The rash associated with fifth disease appears suddenly as bright red cheeks, making the child look as though he or she were slapped. The rash resembles other childhood rashes, such as rubella and scarlet fever. In fact, fifth disease was so named because it was recognized fifth among four other childhood illnesses that have similar rashes: measles, scarlet fever, rubella, and chicken pox. However, not all children develop a rash due to fifth disease.
Fifth disease is spread by respiratory droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes, or through blood. The condition is usually mild and poses little risk to healthy children and adults. (Infants and adults rarely contract fifth disease). However, if a pregnant woman contracts fifth disease in the first half of her pregnancy, there is a slight risk of severe anemia in the fetus, as well as a 10 percent risk of miscarriage. In most cases, fetuses are unaffected if the mother contracts fifth disease. During pregnancy, it has not been proven to cause birth defects.
