Fifth disease overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Fifth disease, sometimes called erythema infectiosum, is a mild rash illness caused by a viral infection that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. An ill child may have a low-grade fever, malaise, or a "cold" a few days before the rash breaks out. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days.