Fifth disease is a mild rash illness caused by parvovirus B19. It is more common in children than adults. ... This disease , also called erythema infectiosum, got its name because it was fifth in a list of historical classifications of common skin rash illnesses in children. Erythema infectiosum or fifth disease is one of several possible manifestations of infection by parvovirus B19. The name "fifth disease" comes from its place on the standard list of rash-causing childhood diseases, which also includes measles (1st), scarlet fever (2nd), rubella (3rd), Dukes' disease (4th, however is no longer widely accepted as distinct) and roseola (6th). Signs and symptoms Fifth disease starts with a low-grade fever, headache, rash, and cold-like symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose. These symptoms pass, then a few days later the rash appears. The bright red rash most commonly appears in the face, particularly the cheeks. This is a defining symptom of the infecti...