Fifth disease
What is Fifth disease?
Fifth disease, also called slapped-cheek disease, is a common illness in young children caused by a parvovirus. Fifth disease is spread by contact with others who are infected, specifically by exposure to fluid from the nose. The illness lasts approximately five days, but the rash can keep coming back for a few weeks, particularly with exercise, heat, fever, or stress. If a pregnant woman becomes infected, the infection can be harmful to the unborn baby. Fifth disease can also cause arthritis, although this is more commonly seen in infected adults.
