B08: Other viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions, not elsewhere classified

B08.3: Erythema infectiosum [fifth disease]

Fifth disease is caused by viruses. If you have contact with infected individuals, you can become infected with fifth disease through tiny drops of saliva, for example.

With fifth disease, the cheeks initially turn very red. After a few days, the skin also develops a circular or festoon-like redness. The red areas on the skin can also be itchy. The lymph nodes may also swell up. They can be felt in the neck, for example. There may also be inflammation of the joints.