Overview
Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, is a viral childhood illness caused by parvovirus B19. It is commonly known as the “slapped cheek disease” because of the distinctive red rash on the face. While most cases occur in children, adults can also be infected and often experience joint pain rather than rash.
In Korea, pediatricians frequently diagnose fifth disease during late spring and early summer outbreaks. The illness is self-limiting in most children but can cause serious complications in pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and patients with blood disorders. Hospitals in Korea provide advanced monitoring and care to reduce risks in high-risk groups.
What is Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)?
It is one of the six classic childhood rash illnesses identified historically. The term “erythema infectiosum” refers to the rash-producing viral infection, while “fifth disease” refers to its sequence as the fifth recognized childhood rash condition.
The disease progresses in two stages:
- Initial flu-like symptoms
- Development of a characteristic rash
Symptoms
- Early Symptoms (before rash)
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Mild sore throat
- Rash Phase
- Bright red rash on cheeks (“slapped cheek” look)
- Rash spreads to trunk, arms, and legs in a lace-like pattern
- Rash may itch and can reappear after sun exposure or exercise
- Adult Symptoms
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling (knees, ankles, wrists, hands)
- Sometimes arthritis-like symptoms lasting weeks
Causes
- Infection with parvovirus B19
- Spread by respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking)
- Can also spread via blood transfusion or from mother to baby during pregnancy
Risk Factors
- Children aged 5–15 years (most common group)
- Pregnant women (risk of complications for fetus)
- People with blood disorders (sickle cell anemia, thalassemia)
- Immunocompromised individuals
Complications
- Temporary anemia in children
- Severe anemia in patients with chronic blood disorders
- Joint inflammation in adults
- Pregnancy-related complications: fetal anemia, hydrops fetalis, miscarriage (rare)
- Chronic parvovirus infection in people with weak immune systems
Prevention
- No vaccine is available
- Handwashing and hygiene are the best protection
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
- Pregnant women should be cautious during known outbreaks in schools or daycare centers
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
- Physical exam (rash recognition)
- Blood tests for parvovirus B19 antibodies, especially in pregnant women and high-risk patients
Medical Treatments
- No antiviral treatment – care is supportive
- Fever reducers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Antihistamines for itching
- Blood transfusions for patients with severe anemia
Pregnancy Care in Korea
- Pregnant women exposed to fifth disease undergo ultrasound monitoring for fetal health
- High-risk pregnancies may be referred to maternal-fetal medicine specialists
Supportive Therapies
- Joint pain management in adults (pain relievers, physiotherapy)
- Immunological care for those with weakened immune systems
- Parental education to prevent further spread
Top Hospitals in Korea for Fifth Disease Care
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul) – maternal and pediatric infection monitoring
- Seoul National University Children’s Hospital – pediatric infectious disease expertise
- Samsung Medical Center – advanced diagnostic services for viral illnesses
- Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System – comprehensive women’s and children’s healthcare
✅ Summary: Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum) in Korea is usually a mild childhood illness but requires extra caution for pregnant women, blood disorder patients, and immunocompromised individuals. Korean hospitals are well-equipped with modern diagnostic tools, maternal-fetal care, and pediatric infection specialists to manage risks effectively.
Since 32 (Fifth Disease in Korea) and 33 (Fifth Disease – Erythema Infectiosum in Korea) are essentially the same illness, do you want me to combine them into one expanded article for your website, or should I keep them as two separate entries with slightly different explanations?
