fifth disease

American  

[fifth di-zeez] / ˈfɪfθ dɪˌziz /

noun

1. Pathology.  a mild infection, most often seen in children or young adults, caused by a small virus (the human parvovirus B19) and marked by a blotchy rash on the cheeks, arms, and legs.

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fifth disease British  

noun

1. Technical name: erythema infectiosum.  Also called: slapped-cheek disease.  a mild infectious disease of childhood, caused by a virus, characterized by fever and a red rash spreading from the cheeks to the limbs and trunk

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Etymology

Origin of fifth disease

So called because it was the fifth in a classification scheme of childhood eruptive diseases

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, measures to effectively control fifth disease have not been developed, Lowery says, but as with most diseases, “good hand-washing may be a practical and effective method to reduce the spread of the virus in schools or daycare centers where there are known cases.”

From US News

Fifth disease got its name from a historical classification system that placed it fifth in a list of common childhood rashes.

From US News

Unfortunately, if a child develops fifth disease, treatment options are limited.

From US News

Saunders has hit .276 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 65 games this season, the last of which came against Minnesota on July 10 before he was sidelined first with a strained oblique and later by a bout with “Fifth Disease.”

From Seattle Times

Dr. Enright decided that it was erythema infectiosum, literally, "infectious blushing," also called fifth disease.*

From Time Magazine Archive