fifth disease: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “fifth disease” mean?
A common, mild childhood illness caused by parvovirus B19, characterized by a distinctive red rash on the cheeks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common, mild childhood illness caused by parvovirus B19, characterized by a distinctive red rash on the cheeks.
A viral exanthem, also known as erythema infectiosum, that typically affects children and can sometimes cause mild flu-like symptoms. It is the fifth in a historical classification of common childhood rashes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'fifth disease' is standard in American English. In British English, the medical term 'erythema infectiosum' is more common in professional contexts, though 'fifth disease' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a clinical, diagnostic connotation. In everyday British use, a parent might simply describe 'slapped cheek syndrome'.
Frequency
Substantially more frequent in American English. In the UK, 'slapped cheek disease/syndrome' is the dominant everyday term.
Grammar
How to Use “fifth disease” in a Sentence
[Patient] has/contracts fifth disease.[Disease] is known as fifth disease.The doctor diagnosed [patient] with fifth disease.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fifth disease” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The nursery is working to contain the slapped cheek syndrome outbreak.
- Several children have gone down with it.
American English
- The classroom was exposed to fifth disease.
- Her child came down with fifth disease last week.
adjective
British English
- A slapped-cheek rash is the telltale sign.
- The erythema infectiosum outbreak.
American English
- A fifth disease rash appeared.
- The fifth disease outbreak was contained quickly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in workplace health notices regarding outbreaks.
Academic
Used in medical and paediatric textbooks, research papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Used by parents, school nurses, and GPs/paediatricians when discussing childhood illness.
Technical
Standard term in clinical diagnostics, virology, and public health reporting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fifth disease”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fifth disease”
- Misspelling as 'fith disease'.
- Using 'fifth disease' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a fifth disease') – it is generally non-count.
- Confusing it with Hand, Foot and Mouth disease, which has a different rash distribution.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For most healthy children and adults, it is a mild, self-limiting illness. However, it can be dangerous for pregnant women (risk to the fetus), people with certain blood disorders, or those with weakened immune systems.
It spreads through respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva, sputum, nasal mucus) when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is most contagious before the rash appears.
There is no specific antiviral treatment. Management focuses on relieving symptoms, such as fever or itching, with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
It was historically classified as the fifth in a numbered list of six common childhood illnesses that cause rashes (exanthems), following measles, scarlet fever, rubella, and Dukes' disease (now not considered distinct).
A common, mild childhood illness caused by parvovirus B19, characterized by a distinctive red rash on the cheeks.
Fifth disease is usually medical/technical in register.
Fifth disease: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɪfθ dɪˈziːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɪfθ dɪˈziz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Slapped cheek' appearance (describing the rash).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember it as the 'fifth' most common childhood rash list, and it makes cheeks look like they've been 'fifth'-slapped.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS AN UNWANTED VISITOR ("The virus has come to the classroom").
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary causative agent of fifth disease?