Fifth Disease
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Fifth Disease is a mild, viral disease seen most often in children. It is caused by the human parvovirus B19, which is not the same parvovirus seen in cats or dogs. An ill child typically has a “slapped-cheek” rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Sometimes the rash may itch. Sometimes an ill child may have a low-grade fever, tiredness, or a “cold” a few days before the rash breaks out. The child is usually not very ill and the rash goes away in 7-10 days.
Adults can get fifth disease and have no symptoms or develop the typical rash seen in children, joint pain or swelling, or both. Usually, joints on both sides of the body are affected. The joint pain and swelling usually go away in a week or two, but they may last several months. About 50% of adults have been previously infected with parvovirus B19 and have developed immunity to the virus, and can not get fifth disease.
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