What is Fifths or Slapped Cheek Disease?
What is Fifths Disease? –> Fifths disease is a relatively common illness caused by the human parvovirus B19. Children aged 5-10 are most likely to contract fifths disease, also known as “slapped cheek” disease because of the distinctive rash that appears on the child’s cheeks, as though he has been freshly slapped. How is Fifths Disease Identified? Fifths disease generally begins with a low grade fever, possibly accompanied by mild cold symptoms or headache. However, these early symptoms may be absent due to the varying degrees to which individuals contract the illness. The most distinctive characteristic is the rash that develops on the child’s body. The rash typically begins as bright red splotches on the cheeks and then spreads throughout the back, neck, chest, and possibly the arms and legs. The rash that spreads does not look like the bright red rash noticed on the cheeks, but rather consists of small pink dots that may appear pimply, lacy, and be raised or flat. Fifths disease i
