Fifth Disease

• A common viral infection affecting the skin, upper airways, and joints.
• Caused by a virus known as Parvovirus B19 and tends to spread during the late winter to early spring.
• More common in children. Adults usually get a more severe case with fever and painful joints.
• Can cause complications for the following persons – pregnant women, persons with sickle cell anemia, persons with weakened immune systems or receiving chemotherapy.

What are the symptoms?

• Low-grade fever, headache, and mild cold-like symptoms (a stuffy or runny nose). Symptoms may also include an upset stomach (nausea and diarrhea), very red cheeks (slapped cheek appearance.)
• After 1 to 4 days, a red, lace-like rash appears, first on the torso and arms, and then spreads to the rest of the body. It can be quite itchy.
• Rash comes and goes for 1 to 3 weeks.
• It can be worse with changes in temperature, exposure to sun, and exercise.

How quickly do symptoms develop?

• Symptoms develop within 4 – 20 days after being exposed to the virus.

 How is it spread?

• By touching the hands of someone who has the infection or an object that has been touched by someone with the infection and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• By coming in contact with the virus in the air, after an infected person has coughed or sneezed.
• A pregnant woman can potentially pass it to her unborn child. In most case, these babies will not have any problems. However, sometimes a baby will develop severe anemia.

 How long is it contagious?

• The virus is most contagious several days before the rash starts. It is not contagious after the rash appears.

   

• Children with Fifth disease may continue to attend school/daycare if they do not have a fever and feel well enough to take part in activities.

 How is it treated?

• There is no specific treatment. To ease pain, aches, or a fever, use acetaminophen. Ibuprofen may be used for children over 6 months old. Encourage rest and hydration.

 What can you do?

• If you are pregnant and develop a rash or have sore joints and have been exposed to someone with fifth disease (or to anyone with an unusual rash), contact your health care provider. Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, face cloths and towels. Wash your hands frequently.

Contact us:

Sault Ste. Marie: 705-942-4646

Blind River: 705-356-2551

Elliot Lake: 705-848-2314

Wawa: 705-856-7208

 

Last Modified: April 28, 2025