Fifth Disease

We have had a confirmed case of Fifth Disease reported to the school.  Fifth Disease is a common and harmless condition that afflicts young children.  A child who has contracted Fifth Disease will display a rash on his or her face that gives the appearance of a hand slap (a more wide spread rash will appear a few days later).  The bright red rash usually starts on the face. Then, red blotches (usually lighter in color) appear on the trunk, arms, and legs. After a few days, the rash, which can be itchy, takes on a lacy net-like look.  However, like chicken pox, the contagious period for this disease is before the rash appears.  Consequently, other children will have been exposed prior to an outbreak being detected.  The outbreak can only be considered finished once 20 days have passed with no further confirmed cases.  While the disease is relatively harmless, and in fact is not legally reportable according to the Health Department, it can present some serious risks to the fetus of a pregnant women infected with the disease. 

For the safety of our staff and parent volunteers, please inform the school if your child should present the symptoms of Fifth disease.

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