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fifth disease
noun
: an acute virus disease especially of children caused by a parvovirus (species Human parvovirus B19 of the genus Erythrovirus) and manifested by a blotchy red rash on the cheeks which spreads to the extremities and is usually accompanied by fever and malaise
Examples of fifth disease in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Complications Most cases of fifth disease are mild and resolve with rest and time.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Nov. 2024
Fifth Disease The fifth disease is another viral disease that begins with mild cold symptoms and fever.
—Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023
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Word History
Etymology
from its enumeration as the fifth of five exanthematous childhood diseases known at the time of its description
First Known Use
circa 1941, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fifth disease
Cite this Entry
“Fifth disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fifth%20disease. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
fifth disease
noun
: an acute eruptive disease especially of children that is caused by a parvovirus (species Human parvovirus B19 virus of the genus Erythrovirus), that is first manifested by a blotchy red rash on the cheeks followed by a maculopapular rash on the extremities, and that is usually accompanied by fever and malaise
called also erythema infectiosum
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