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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Fifth Disease: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > Infections (Infectious Diseases)

Fifth Disease

Alternate Names : Erythema Infectiosum

Fifth Disease | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

Fifth disease in children generally follows a certain pattern. While rash is the most striking symptom of fifth disease, the child may have the following symptoms several days before the rash appears:

  • cold symptoms, including a cough and runny nose
  • malaise, or a vague feeling of illness
  • slight fever
  • A child with fifth disease generally has a bright-red rash on the cheeks that gives a "slapped cheek" appearance. This may be followed by a pink, lacy rash on the arms, legs, and trunk. The rash generally causes no discomfort but may be mildly itchy.

    An adult with fifth disease may have no symptoms at all or may have the typical rash. The person may also have joint pain and swelling.


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    Fifth Disease: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Fifth Disease: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: James Broomfield, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 08/09/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009