fifth disease

Hello my daughter who is 7, got fifth disease  this pass Dec.  She had just the rash and little fever.   But now,  about 3-4 months later she is complaining of  sore legs and arms as if they are tired.  It seems worse in the morning gets alittle better at night.   I was wondering if Fifth disease can cause arthritis in children as well as adults.  Thank you for your time

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

While arthritis itself is not viewed as a complication of Fifth Disease in children, production of red blood cells can become a problem with children who may be susceptible (due to conditions of the immune system, sickle cell disease, etc.). The tiredness and joint discomfort experienced by your daughter may be such a result. Be sure to have her examined by her pediatrician, who may well want to do some lab work, incl. checking her red blood cell count.