Children's illness is spreading quickly

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. Fifth Disease is a common, mild childhood illness caused by a virus called paravirus B19.

The symptoms are similar to that of a cold, kids may have a low grade fever, a runny nose, and body aches, but they also develop a "slapped cheek" rash on their face and some on their bodies.

The Mesa County Health Department said it shouldn't cause too much alarm in parents since there isn't even a treatment for fifth disease, it just has to run it's course.

"It's usually seen in kids between four and five but can go up to age 15, that's the most common population," said Veronica Daehn Harvey with the Mesa County Health Department.

The illness, while mild, is highly contagious and right now is being seen in several local day care centers.

Health Officials are encouraging day care and child care center's to use extra caution when cleaning toys and play areas and should not let kids share food or drinks.

Also, make sure kids are frequently washing their hands and cover their mouth when sneezing or coughing.

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