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- Services and providers for Fifth Disease in the U.S.
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National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Fifth Disease is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Fifth Disease
Also called: Erythema infectiosum
Fifth disease is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19. The virus only infects humans - it's not the same parvovirus that you vaccinate your dog or cat against. Fifth disease mostly affects children. Symptoms can include a low fever, cold symptoms and a red rash on the cheeks, arms, legs and trunk. Adults who get it might also have joint pain and swelling.
It is easy to catch fifth disease. Infected people have the virus in their saliva and mucus. You can get it when you come into contact with those fluids. Frequently washing your hands might help prevent getting the virus. Most people become immune to the virus after having it once.
Fifth disease is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, it can be serious if you
- Are pregnant
- Are anemic
- Have cancer or a weak immune system
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Start Here
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Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)(Nemours Foundation)
Also available in Spanish
- Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)(Logical Images)
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Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease)(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Also available in Spanish
| Basics | Learn More | Multimedia & Cool Tools |
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Overviews
- Parvovirus Infection(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Related Issues
- Parvovirus B19 Infection (Fifth Disease) and Pregnancy(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Unexplained chronic anemia and leukopenia in lung transplant recipients secondary...
- Article: Human parvovirus B19 NS1 protein modulates inflammatory signaling by activation...
- Article: NS1 specific CD8+ T-cells with effector function and TRBV11 dominance...
- Fifth Disease -- see more articles
- Medical Encyclopedia Return to top
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Organizations
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Also available in Spanish
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National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Children
- Other In Utero TORCH Infections(Children's Hospital Boston)
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Date last updated: 23 July 2008 Topic last reviewed: 25 August 2008 |