Is Fifth's Disease rash a reason to keep a child home from school?

[USAmma]

I'm pretty sure my 1st grader has developed the fifth disease rash based on my experience with my older child at around the same age-- and my own "fond" memories of the lacy rash on my own arms as a child. She had a mild cold last week, too.

Of course I will check this out with the school nurse in the morning, but as long as she's asymptomatic and fever free, is there a reason they would keep her out of school? From what I understand by the time the rash shows up they are past the contagious stage. Just trying to anticipate my day tomorrow-- kid at home or kid at school.

[columbusmomma]

I just read this but yes, she can go to school. Once the rash appears she isn't contagious!

[Laur318]

Send her in!

[lindberg99]

I've heard that it's not contagious once rash starts and the Dr. Sears site says:

It is most contagious the day before the rash starts, the day before any fever starts, and for as long as any fever is present. Once the fever is gone for 24 hours your child is no longer contagious, even though the rash will continue for a few days to a few months. If your child does not have a fever, then she is no longer contagious the day after the rash starts.

So it sounds like as long as she doesn't have a fever it is fine.

[delightedbutterfly]

Please check with your school and teacher. While it's safe for most of the population, I do know that there are some children that Fifth's Disease is extremely dangerous to. While your child is probably not contagious anymore other children in the class could be and if there is a child in the class or even in the school that could get severely sick from it then a letter should go out to parents.

One of my friends children has to be extra careful when Fifth's is in the schools and communities and too often the parents haven't informed the teacher and principal and as a result her child has ended up extremely sick in the hospital.

Most likely it *won't* be a problem but at least informing the school will help if there is a child like that. 

[mamatowill]

I know this is done but I also wanted to add that at my school (I am a teacher) once a child is identified as having Fifth's any pregnant teacher is sent home immediately (whether contagious or not since it is now in the school) so I would definitely let the school know.