Fifth Disease-Viral Rash

Is this your child's symptom?

  • Viral rash that starts with red cheeks and spreads to the shoulders

Symptoms of Fifth Disease

  • Bright red cheeks on both sides for 1 to 3 days. Looks like "slapped cheeks".
  • Followed by pink "lace-like" (net-like) rash of arms and legs.
  • "Lacy" rash mainly is on thighs and upper arms/shoulders.
  • Rash also is on chest and stomach in 50% of children.
  • The rash does not itch or hurt.
  • No fever or low-grade one less than 102° F (39° C).
  • Peak age: 4 -12 years.

Cause of Fifth Disease

  • It is caused by the human parvovirus B19.
  • Not related to the dog parvovirus.

Prevent Spread to Others

  • Good hand washing can prevent spread of this illness.
  • Once the rash occurs, the child can no longer spread the virus.

When to Call for Fifth Disease-Viral Rash

Call 911 Now

  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Only 1 cheek is red and also has fever
  • High Risk child (such as those with a chronic medical problem or weak immune system)
  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Fever over 102° F (39° C)
  • You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Sore throat lasts more than 48 hours
  • Mother or other caregiver is pregnant
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Fifth disease suspected

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Fifth Disease

  1. What You Should Know About Fifth Disease:
    • It is a viral rash that is harmless.
    • It does not itch or hurt.
    • It can be treated at home.
    • Here is some care advice that should help.
  2. Fever Medicine:
    • For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
    • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
    • Note: Fevers less than 102° F (39° C) are important for fighting infections.
    • For all fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
  3. Pregnant Women - Special Risk:
    • The risk of Fifth disease is to the unborn babies of pregnant women. It is not harmful to the woman herself.
    • A pregnant woman should see her doctor if she is exposed.
    • He will do a test to see if the mother has had the disease. If she has, she is protected.
    • If not, the pregnancy will need to be watched closely. Some babies that get it before birth can have problems. Ten percent can have a very low red blood cell count and 2% may die.
    • But, birth defects are never a result of this virus.
  4. What to Expect:
    • The lace-like rash can come and go for 1 to 3 weeks.
  5. Return to School:
    • Once your child has the "slapped cheeks", they can no longer spread the illness. Also, the lacy rash cannot be spread to others either.
    • Your child does not need to stay home from child care or school.
    • It can be spread during the week before the rash begins.
    • Exposed children should try not to have any contact with pregnant women. This may be hard to know ahead of time.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Fever above 102° F (39° C) occurs
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 10/11/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.