Signs & Symptoms of Fifth Disease

Fifth disease is a mild illness that occurs mostly in children ages five through 15. Fifth disease is caused by a human parvovirus B19 infection. Parvovirus can also infect cats and dogs, but humans cannot catch it from their pets. The strains are different. The symptoms of fifth disease are usually mild, and most people recover without any problems.

Early Symptoms

• The first symptoms of fifth disease are cold-like symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, feelings of malaise, a low fever and a headache.

Later Symptoms

• After the early symptoms end, a bright red rash will appear on the face, resembling a slap across the face. In the following days, a lighter lace-like rash will extend down the trunk and limbs.

Adult Symptoms

• Although most cases of fifth disease are found in children, it is possible for adults to become infected. They may have the same rash as children, along with joint pain and swelling.

Contagiousness

• Someone with fifth disease is contagious during the early symptoms stage of the disease. Once the rash appears, he is probably no longer contagious. Fifth disease is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions.

Prevention

• Like most viruses, hand washing is a practical way to prevent the spread of infection. Staying out of public places while contagious would also help, but it is difficult to identify fifth disease in this stage since the symptoms resemble a cold.