Fifth disease is an infection which, in children, often appears as a bright red rash on the face.
Fifth disease is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. A person with Fifth disease can spread it to others by coughing or sneezing. A pregnant woman who gets Fifth disease can pass it to her unborn baby. You can get Fifth disease at any age, although it is more common in young children. Once you have had it you are protected, or immune, from getting sick with the virus again.