Fifth Disease is caused by a virus and results in a rash on the face and upper body. The rash first appears on the cheeks, making the person look like they have been slapped. The facial rash feels hot and sometimes itchy. After a few days, the rash can spread to the upper body and arms in a lacy pattern. Other symptoms include mild fatigue. Many people have no symptoms other than the rash. Fifth Disease can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Fifth Disease is spread from tiny droplets of water from the nose and throat from someone who has the infection. The droplets of water are spread when a person sneezes or coughs. People who have Fifth Disease are thought to be the most contagious during the week before the rash starts to show. After the rash appears, the person is no longer contagious.

Symptoms usually appear two to three weeks after you have been exposed. School age children get Fifth Disease most often. Adults can also catch it but they may not have the rash at all. It is thought that once you have had Fifth Disease you are immune and can not get it again.

Some people who have red blood cell disorders can become very anemic if they catch Fifth Disease. Pregnant women who get the infection can have a slightly increased chance of miscarriage. It is also possible for a pregnant woman to pass the disease to the fetus.

At this time, there is no treatment for Fifth Disease. However, because the symptoms are so mild, the infection does not need specific treatment.

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