Caring for Kids
Slapped Cheek Disease, Erythema infectiosum, Human Parvovirus B19
Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is a common infection affecting the skin, upper airway, and joints. It is caused by a virus known as Human Parvovirus B19 and tends to spread during the late winter to early spring. It usually appears as a very red rash on a child’s cheeks, giving a “slapped cheek” look. Fifth disease is usually very mild. It is usually more severe in adults. Most people who had fifth disease as a child will not get it again.
Pregnant women who are not immune usually do not have serious complications after being exposed to others with fifth disease. In most cases, these babies will not have any problems. However, sometimes a baby will develop severe anemia. If you are pregnant and develop a rash or have sore joints and have been exposed to someone with fifth disease (or to anyone with an unusual rash), call your healthcare professional.
More information about fifth disease
Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have fifth disease?
No exclusion necessary, unless too ill to participate in activities or has a fever with behavioural change.
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
Healthcare provider information
Public Health Ontario
Public Health Agency of Canada
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last reviewed: June 2025, by CDC