Fifth disease is a viral illness caused by parvovirus B19. Fifth disease is also known as "erythema infectiosum" and "slapped cheek disease." The clinical illness was described in the 1880s and was named fifth disease because of its "fifth" position in the numerical classification of childhood illnesses associated with rashes (exanthems).

• Fifth disease is caused by a virus.
• Symptoms include low fever, fatigue, a "slapped cheeks rash," joint aches, and a whole-body rash.
• Diagnosis is made based on clinical features.
• Rarely, fifth disease can have complications.
• Fifth disease in pregnant women can cause a miscarriage.