-> In most cases, fifth disease does not cause serious complications. In 
-> people with diseases involving red blood cell destruction, including 
-> sickle cell anemia, however, fifth disease can cause a serious anemic 
-> reaction; other complications may be acute (short term) bone marrow 
-> failure or joint pain. 
  
This bit was interesting. At about the same time as her son showed 
symptoms of Fifth Disease, my ladyfriend had a routine physical that 
showed her red blood cell count to be only about 60 percent of 
"normal". Her count does usually tend to be on the low side, but not 
*that* low. So now she's taking iron pills, and will have another test 
in a few weeks. It's interesting to speculate that she may have been 
affected by the parovirus, but we'll probably never know for sure. 
  
Thanks. 
  
                              dow 
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