Fifth Disease
Posted by Alex
Fifth disease is a rash that is also referred to as erythema infectiosum (infectious redness) or as slapped cheek syndrome or slapped face, and usually occurs among children aged five to fifteen. Outbreaks of the disease usually arise in schools and nurseries; however, once a child has the rash, he is no longer infectuous. The defining symptom of the infection is bright red cheeks in children (hence the “slapped cheek syndrome) and may extend to the bridge of the nose or over the mouth. Besides the red cheeks, the child may also develop a rash all over the torso, upper arms, and the legs. This could last for a couple of weeks or months, depending on the case, and may be itchy. Fifth disease is a very mild infection, but among pregnant women and those with sickle-cell anemia, it could pose some serious consequences.