Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)

When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor if you or your child develops a facial rash, especially if your child has a blood disorder or an immune deficiency, or is being treated for cancer. Also, call your doctor if a child with previously diagnosed fifth disease develops a fever or increased joint pain.

Pregnant women who believe they have been exposed to fifth disease or who develop a rash should call their doctors immediately. Although fifth disease in the mother usually does not threaten the unborn child, fifth disease in rare cases can cause miscarriage or fetal anemia.

Prognosis

Previously healthy people usually recover completely from fifth disease within weeks.

Additional Info

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333 Phone: (404) 639-3534 Toll-Free: (800) 311-3435 http://www.cdc.gov/