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Erythema Infectiosum - Fifth Disease


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Fifth disease is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19. It usually causes a rash and symptoms of mild illness.

What is going on in the body?

Fifth disease is caused by human parvovirus B19. It usually occurs in the spring in schoolage children, preschoolers, or adolescents. Fifth disease is spread through respiratory secretions. Symptoms appear 4 to 14 days after exposure.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Fifth disease is generally seen in children in day care, preschool, elementary school, and high school. Adults who are not immune to the parvovirus B19 can also develop fifth disease. It is spread from person to person by respiratory secretions. Coughing and sneezing spread the disease.


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