The disease is so named because it was the fifth of the childhood rash illnesses to be identified. There are no complications of fifth disease for a normal child. Fifth disease can cause serious problems to an unborn child. If you are pregnant, and suspect that you have or have been exposed to fifth disease, contact your healthcare provider, immediately. Fifth disease is probably spread by very close contact, including direct contact, with infected mucus from the nose or mouth or through the air when a person with fifth disease coughs or sneezes.
Children can be contagious one week before the rash appears.
Once the rash develops, the child is no longer contagious. Most children with fifth disease do not need medication. There is no need to change a child's diet or to limit activity. There are no complications in a normal child. If you are worried about your child's illness, or if your child develops a fever over 102 F or has severe joint pains, call your doctor.