A parent or carer with a child in daycare or preschool knows all about the gross bugs they can bring home like, Hand, Foot and Mouth, Impetigo, Gastro and Pink Eye.
But how much do you actually know about Slapped Cheek - also known as Fifth Disease / Parvovirus B19 / Erythema Infectiosum?
While it’s commonly know as Slapped Cheek, thanks to those rosey cheeks that appear as the main symptom, ‘Fifth Disease’ gets it’s name because it was the fifth of a group of viruses that produced similar symptoms. The other four illnesses are:
- measles
- rubella
- scarlet fever
- Dukes’ disease
So what exactly causes Slapped Cheek?
Slapped Cheek is a human parvovirus and not the same as the parvovirus found in animals. You cannot catch it from animals. About 50 percent of the adult population has already been infected with the disease. Once you are infected with the virus, you remain immune to it for the rest of your life.
Is it serious?
No. Slapped Cheek is generally not serious and usually produces very mild symptoms.
The greatest risk is for pregnant ladies. If mum gets pregnant, she can pass it through the placenta to unborn baby, increasing miscarriage or birth defect risks.
In a very small percentage of pregnant women, it may cause anaemia in unborn babies and again, result in miscarriage.
The rash to look out for - most common symptom of Slapped Cheek. Image: WebMD
Can I prevent it?
Like most viruses, it is best prevented by thorough hand washing. Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water.
Kids who get Slapped Cheek are contagious for the week before the rash (or rosey cheeks) appear, so once you find out that your child or another child that he or she plays with has the illness, exposure has probably already occurred.
How do I know if my child has it?
The virus often starts with cold-like symptoms. Your child might have a runny nose and slight fever a few days before a rash breaks out on their cheeks. The rash may spread to their torso and may or may not itch.
This rash lasts two to four days, and is followed by a fine lace like pink rash on the limbs and sometimes the trunk. This can hang around for up to six weeks, which is often distressing for parents, but is of no concern.
A runny nose is usually the first symptom before the rash appears. Image: iStock
How do I treat it?
Slapped Cheek generally goes away in a week to ten days with little or no treatment. You can use paracetamol to relieve any discomfort due to fever or minor achiness.
Rarely, the infection can lead to serious complications for those infected, so if your child (or yourselves parents!) continue to become unwell with joint aches, fevers, or listlessness, then pop in to see your doctor or emergency pronto!
Should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if your child’s fever is higher than 38.9°C or if he is anaemic or has a compromised immune system.
For more information or if you’re concerned about a bug your child is bringing home, please visit your local GP.
