fifth disease

fifth disease

noun

Definition of FIFTH DISEASE

: an acute eruptive disease especially of children that is caused by a parvovirus (species B19 virus of the genus Erythrovirus), that is first manifested by a blotchy red rash on the cheeks followed by a maculopapular rash on the extremities, and that is usually accompanied by fever and malaise—called also erythema infectiosum