Fifth disease

Alternative names:

"Slapped Cheek"; erythema infectiosum; parvovirus B19

Symptoms:

• rash, first appearing on the cheeks, often called "slapped cheeks"
• a rash spreading to the extremities about one day later, often has a "lacy" appearance (looks like lace)
• headache (mild)
• joint pain also called arthralgia (mild)

Signs and tests:

The patient is examined for the appearance and pattern of the rash. The appearance of the rash usually makes the diagnosis straight forward. Antibody titer studies for parvovirus B9 are available although rarely performed. They can be obtained through the Centers for Disease Control and some state health departments.

Viral titers for parvovirus B19 are usually obtained when trying to diagnose 'transient aplastic crisis' and persistant anemias, occasional manifestations of parvovirus B19 infection in individuals with sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemias, HIV infection and other types of immunodeficiency. Virus studies may also be obtained when there is a question of exposure in a pregnant mother whose immune status is not known.