fifth disease

noun

: an acute virus disease especially of children caused by a parvovirus (species Human parvovirus B19 of the genus Erythrovirus) and manifested by a blotchy red rash on the cheeks which spreads to the extremities and is usually accompanied by fever and malaise

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

Medical Definition

fifth disease

noun

: an acute eruptive disease especially of children that is caused by a parvovirus (species Human parvovirus 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