It is contagious 1-2 weeks before the rash appears. Once the rash appears, a person is no longer contagious. A child who has been diagnosed with Fifth Disease need not be excluded from child care. The woman herself may have no symptoms or a mild illness with rash or joint pains. If pregnant women are exposed to Fifth Disease, they should consult their health care provider.
Symptoms begin with a mild fever and complaints of tiredness.
After a few days, the cheeks take on a flushed appearance that looks like the face has been slapped. There may also be a soft, light rash on the chest, arms, and legs, but not all infected persons develop a rash. As the rash appears, the child usually begins to feel better, and the fever resolves. The rash may last for over a week and may recur in response to sunlight or a warm bath. Most persons who get Fifth Disease are not very ill and recover without any serious consequences.