Fifth Disease Symptoms

• Fifth disease usually starts with a mild vague illness. Fever occurs 15%-30% of the time, along with nasal congestion and drainage, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, and a headache. This lasts for several days.



• Then, seven to 10 days later, the characteristic facial rash (the slapped cheeks rash) develops abruptly. Typically, the facial rash is bright red. The child looks as if a hand has slapped across his or her face. This rash fades in four days.



• A light pink rash begins on the arms and spreads to the trunk, buttocks, and thighs. This gradually fades to a lacelike pattern, then clears.

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