Fifth Disease
Alternate Names : Erythema Infectiosum
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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