Fifth disease

Erythema infectiosum
Other namesFifth disease, slapped cheek syndrome, slapcheek, slap face, slapped face[1][2]
16-month-old with erythema infectiosum, displaying characteristic red rashes
SpecialtyInfectious disease
SymptomsRed rash, especially on cheeks and harsh coughs
CausesHuman parvovirus

Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum and slapped cheek syndrome,[3] is a common and contagious disease caused by infection with parvovirus B19.[4] This virus was discovered in 1975 and can cause other diseases besides fifth disease.[5] Fifth disease typically presents as a rash and is most common in children. While parvovirus B19 can affect people of all ages, only two out of ten individuals will present with symptoms.[6]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sabella1999 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Servey200722 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Slapped cheek syndrome". National Health Service. 18 April 2024. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024. Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease) is common in children and should get better on its own within 3 weeks.
  4. ^ Vafaie J, Schwartz RA (October 2004). "Parvovirus B19 infections". International Journal of Dermatology. 43 (10): 747–749. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02413.x. ISSN 0011-9059. PMID 15485533.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Rogo_2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "Fifth Disease". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2024-08-01.