What is it?
Fifth Disease is typically a mild illness that is caused by a virus, parvovirus.  It causes a blotchy red rash that begins on the cheeks (i.e., a slapped cheek appearance) and spreads to the trunk and limbs.  The rash usually fades within a week, but it can come and go for several weeks, often appearing after exercise or sun exposure.  The rash can be itchy.  The rash may be preceded or accompanied by a mild fever and "cold" symptoms.

Rarely, Fifth Disease can cause more severe illness in people with sickle cell anemia and immune problems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, organ transplant, taking steroid medication).  If a pregnant woman catches Fifth Disease for the first time, there is a small risk (less than 10%) that it can infect the fetus and cause miscarriage or stillbirth.

How is it Spread?
Fifth Disease is spread by contact with nasal mucus and saliva.  It can be spread by coughing and sneezing, kissing on the lips and sharing food, eating utensils and mouthed toys.  It is also spread by touching your hands to your nose and mouth, reusing tissues, and forgetting to wash your hands after blowing noses.  It spreads most easily in crowded and poorly ventilated rooms.

When is it Contagious?
Fifth Disease is contagious 1-2 weeks before the rash appears.  Once the rash appears, the disease is usually not contagious.  After exposure to the contagious period of Fifth Disease, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to develop the illness.

How is it Diagnosed and Treated?
Fifth Disease is usually diagnosed by the distinctive rash.  Generally, no treatment is needed for Fifth Disease.  If the rash is very itchy, some medication or lotion might be prescribed to relieve the itching.

Pregnant women and people with blood disorders and immune problems who are exposed to fifth Disease should consult their health provider.  Blood tests may be done to check for previous immunity (antibodies) and/or infection.  for serious illness, immune treatments may be given.

Should the Child Stay Home?
A child with Fifth Disease does not need to stay home as long as she/he is feeling well enough to participate in the program's activities.

How Can We Limit the Spread?

• Cough and sneeze into your elbow and away from people.
• Wipe runny noses with a clean tissue, throw the tissue away, then wash your hands.
• Don't share food, pacifiers, bottles, toothbrushes, eating utensils, or drinking cups.
• Clean and disinfect mouthed toys and dining tables after each use.  Clean and disinfect water fountains, telephone receivers, and frequently handled items daily.
• Don't kiss children on the mouth.
• Maximize outdoor play and indoor ventilation.
• Avoid exposing pregnant women, people with blood disorders and immune problems.

Information provided on this page is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical treatment.  The recommendations do not indicate a course of treatment or medical care.

These are guidelines to develop policies and procedures for preventing, recognizing and managing communicable disease in child care.  If the children in your care have been exposed to this disease, you may copy this exposure notice and hand out to your day care parents.

This Exposure Notice has been copied from "Keeping Kids Healthy, Preventing and Managing Communicable Disease in Child Care", a project of the The Center for Health Training funded by the California Department of Education, Child Development Division.