Fifth Disease

It doesn't matter where he got it, it is a very common childhood thing to get. Once the rash appears they are no longer contagious from what I understand. It isn't anything you can prevent. It is very common, don't worry too much. If it is fifths disease he will have immunity to getting it again.

Is fifth disease contagious?

Yes. A person infected with parvovirus B19 is contagious during the early part of the illness, before the rash appears.
By the time a child has the characteristic "slapped cheek" rash of fifth disease, for example, he or she is probably no longer contagious and may return to school or child care center. This contagious period is different than that for many other rash illnesses, such as measles, for which the child is contagious while he or she has the rash.

You have some great links for info regarding Fifths Disease.

I just wanted to add that this can be VERY DANGEROUS for pregnant women who are around a child with this disease. If you know of a pregnant woman who has been near your son, or if you are pregnant yourself, talk to you doctor immediately. I don't want to scare you, but it can affect a fetus.

Just wanted to add that - often people don't know how serious it is around a pregnant woman.

Thanks.

My son had it when he was 2. I own and operate a group home daycare and not one other child got it, nor did I do any extra cleaning other than the normal daycare sanitizing daily/weekly. I don't think it is as easily transferred as they would like us to believe. Other wise would'nt at least ONE of the five children his age that were exposed to it have gotten it also?

Here is a link to the CDC.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/parvo_b19...

My kids have never had it although my son was sent home once from preschool for the slapped cheek appearance. We took him to the doctor and my son was fine. Recently there was a case at my other son's preschool and none of the other kids got it.

It's a parvovirus and like any other virus he needs to ride it through with supportive care.

Best wishes---I hope your son is feeling better soon.

Fifth's Disease is a fairly common rash caused by a virus. People are most likely contagious before the rash breaks. Therefore there's no real way to prevent it except good hygiene (hand washing, etc.). I hope he feels better soon!