Riverdale School Officials Warn Parents as Fifth Disease Circulates in Elementary School

Riverdale School officials announced that the viral illness called Fifth Disease is going around the elementary school. 

It is common in kids ages 5 through 15. 

Fifth Disease is known for a rash that makes a child’s cheeks bright red, and it is sometimes called the “slapped cheek” rash. 

The signs and symptoms are a low fever, headache and stuffy or runny nose.  

After those symptoms are gone, the rash on cheeks, arms, legs and trunk appear. 

Once the rash has appeared, the child is no longer contagious unless fever or just not feeling well. 

There is no treatment for Fifth Disease and kids recover fairly quickly. 

You should not give any medication that contains aspirin, but you can give ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Pregnant mothers should be aware if they have been in contact with your child and contact their doctor. 

There are other rashes that can mimic this but usually have higher fever and other symptoms. 

A link with more information is posted on the Riverdale Local Schools Facebook page.