fifth disease

noun

: an acute virus disease especially of children caused by a parvovirus (Erythroparvovirus primate1) and manifested by a blotchy red rash on the cheeks which spreads to the extremities and is usually accompanied by fever and malaise

Examples of fifth disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The infection is caused by a seasonal respiratory virus called parvovirus B19, also known as fifth disease. —Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Complications Most cases of fifth disease are mild and resolve with rest and time. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Nov. 2024

Fifth Disease The fifth disease is another viral disease that begins with mild cold symptoms and fever. —Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

from its enumeration as the fifth of five exanthematous childhood diseases known at the time of its description

First Known Use

circa 1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fifth disease

• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes
• assamese

Medical Definition

fifth disease

noun

: an acute eruptive disease especially of children that is caused by a parvovirus (Erythroparvovirus primate1), 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