Outbreaks of Fifth Disease usually occur during the winter and spring, as a result of close contact indoors. The disease is only contagious in its early stages and once the rash appear it is no longer contagious.
Fifth Disease is not known to cause any major complications. The disease is mild and may begin with a low fever and a general feeling of illness. After about a week, an intense red rash develops and usually appears on the face first. The rash sometimes spread to the limbs and the trunk where it may produce a lacy pattern. The rash usually fades in about two weeks, but may reappear if the skin is irritated.
However, the disease can cause a serious anemic reaction in people with diseases involving red blood cell destruction, including sickle cell anemia. Other complications have been known to be acute bone marrow failure or joint pain.
Fifth Disease is not common in adults, however, some cases have been studied. In adults the symptoms are more painful and include joint pain and arthritis and can last up to six months. Pregnant women exposed to Fifth Disease have an increased risk of miscarriage. At the moment, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found no evidence that the disease causes birth defects.
In conclusion, there is no specific treatment for the disease other than applying calamine lotion and cool water to the rash. Bed rest and drinking clear fluids are also recommended and acetaminophen may be taken for fever.
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