Fifth disease history and symptoms

The first symptoms of fifth disease are usually mild and nonspecific including fever, runny nose and headache followed by development of a “slapped-cheek” rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs.

The most common illness caused by parvovirus B19 infection is “fifth disease,” a mild rash illness that occurs most often in children.

The first symptoms of fifth disease are usually mild and nonspecific including fever, runny nose and headache. Then, the ill child typically develops a “slapped-cheek” rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days. Once a child recovers from parvovirus infection, he or she develops lasting immunity, which means that the child is protected against future infection.

People with fifth disease can also develop pain and swelling in their joints (polyarthropathy syndrome). This is more common in adults, especially women. Some adults with fifth disease may only have painful joints, usually in the hands, feet, or knees, but no other symptoms. The joint pain usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks, but it can last for months or longer. It usually goes away without any long-term problems.

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