[healey22]

heard on local news here that they think it is something called "fifth disease" - viral - but they are not sure.

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

The story said they really had no clue what it was and they were just guessing. My question is why the hell has the CDC not been notified?

I would hope we would be very over cautious in any case of a mysterious infection, rash etc...

[spycatcher]

Fifth Disease spread by the Fifth Column I wonder?

[Jennifer in Florida]

Now they're saying it doesn't look like fifth disease, because the rash isn't "lacy" like fifth disease, it is more like small red bumps. It is scary that they haven't figured it out yet. I hope they figure it out soon and that it isn't anything serious.

[blam]

Fifth disease

Alternative Names
"Slapped Cheek"; erythema infectiosum; parvovirus B19

Definition

An acute viral disease characterized by mild symptoms and a blotchy rash beginning on the cheeks and spreading to the extremities.

Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

Fifth disease is caused by the human parvovirus B19 agent. It occurs most often during the spring with localized outbreaks in preschoolers or school-age children and adolescents. It is spread by respiratory secretions and the incubation period is to 12 days. The duration of the illness is usually five days. However, the rash may recur for several weeks and may be brought on by exposure to sunlight, heat, exercise, fever, or emotional stress. Erythema infectiosum usually begins with bright red cheeks producing a "slapped-cheek" appearance. Following this a rash appears on the extremities and trunk. The rash fades centrally giving a lacy (reticulated) appearance to the rash. The rash fades over a period of one to two weeks. This illness is seldom associated with fever. Parvovirus B19 is thought to cause other disease manifestations. In healthy adults it may be responsible for an infectious arthritis (particularly in women). In individuals with AIDS (or other immunocompromised persons) it may produce a profound anemia. This form of anemia is called 'transient aplastic crisis'.

(snip)

[ChemistCat]

I had that. Very mild symptoms in my case; the worst was a blistery (and I recall itchy) rash on the palms of my hand. A non-event, really. But the CDC ought to be on top of anything like this from the get go. Better a million false alarms than one undiagnosed case of smallpox sitting in a very busy ER waiting room somewhere for six hours plus (not uncommon for the kind of clinics the indigent have to use.)