Causes of Fifth Disease in Children
Risk factors for developing fifth disease center around the winter and spring seasons and frequenting areas of high contagiousness (for example, preschool and early elementary school). Since the most contagious time period is when the child has no overt symptoms, exposure to a healthy child is a common experience. Those with fifth disease who are immune-compromised are potentially more at risk for the development of complications than their peers with intact immune systems. Pregnant women who develop fifth disease may potentially develop problems with the fetus and should discuss their individual case with their obstetrician.