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Fifth disease (sometimes commonly referred to as fifth's disease) is just one of many names for a particular infection by a virus known as parvovirus B19.

It is also commonly known as slapped cheek syndrome, slapped face, erythema infectiosum, and in Japan it is known by the name apple sickness.

The symptoms of fifth disease are numerous, however the presence of bright red cheeks are the defining feature of the infection, as is evinced by the numerous names for the infection which all reference this particular feature.

Other symptoms of fifth disease include an expansion of the rash to include both the area surrounding the mouth as well as the bridge of the nose, and occasionally a red, lacy rash can develop on other areas of the body, the arms and legs being the most common spots for this to occur. Those infected with fifth disease may also experience stomach pain, a sore throat, itchy skin, and headaches.

It is also quite possible to contract fifth disease and not know it. Because it is such a mild infection, roughly 25% percent of those infected do not show any substantial symptoms and may never even know they had the infection.

Fifth disease is usually quite harmless, and will usually go away in several days by itself without any sort of treatment. There are, however, two groups who should be wary of fifth disease: pregnant women and anyone with a form of chronic hemolytic anemia, such as sickle cell disease.

In pregnant women, a fifth disease infection may cause the fetus to develop anemia, which in turn can cause severe complications. In those with sickle cell disease and other related diseases, a fifth disease infection can cause what is called an aplastic crisis, which is a possible complication of chronic hemolytic anemias that can be spurred on by fifth disease.


More about fifth disease around the Web:

WebMD - Fifth Disease

Fifth's Disease & Pregnancy

Why is it called fifth disease?

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.

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