Remember, this disease is most contagious before the child shows signs of illness. Routine hygenic practices are important to help prevent spread of this disease and most other diseases. Good handwashing is probably the single most effective method of preventing the transmission of illness. Have sick family members dispose of tissues in a covered trash container immediately after use. Teach family members to cover their mouths and not to cough or sneeze on anyone. Discourage kissing when there is illness. Avoid sharing cups and toothbrushes. Avoid sharing drinks from the same cup or food from the same plate. Always wash hands before handling food. |
Other topics |
Fifth Disease |
Fifth Disease |
Definition and cause |
Fifth Disease is the most common rash illness among preschool and young school age children. It can occur in children as young as 2 or as old as 12. It occurs most commonly in the early spring, and is caused by the Human parvovirus B19. |
This disease is probably spread from one person to another through respiratory secretions and blood. A person with Fifth Disease is most contagious before the onset of illness. It usually takes 4-14 days to develop the illness after being exposed to the virus, but it may be as long as 20 days. |
How Fifth Disease is spread |
Occasionally there is fever. Rarely there is joint pain. The disease begins with an intense flush on the child's face. They look like their cheeks have been slapped. The next day there is a lacy pink or red rash on the arms and legs. Three days later, rash appears on the inner surfaces, fingers, toes, trunk, and/or buttocks. |
Symptoms |
Complications |
Complications do not occur in normal, healthy children, but only in those who have immune deficiency. If your child immunodeficient, he needs to be under doctor's care with this illness. In pregnant women who are not already immune (most are), the disease can occasionally cause fetal damage in the first half of pregnancy. The risk is negligible in the second half. |
Prevention |
The rash may appear on and off with exposure to heat (bath water, sun) for 2 or 3 weeks, or even months. |
