Download Slapped cheek syndrome - NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Slapped cheek
syndrome
(Fifth disease or erythema infectiosum)
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What is slapped cheek
syndrome?
Slapped cheek syndrome is also
known as ‘Fifth disease’ or ‘erythema
infectiosum’. It is caused by a virus
called ‘erythrovirus’ (previously
known as parvovirus B19). It is usually
mild, occurring in small outbreaks
among children.
The incubation period is between four
and 20 days, with an average of 13 to
18 days. Physical symptoms are not
usually present during the infectious
period, which is before the rash
appears. At this time, it can be passed
on very easily. However, when the
rash appears the person is no longer
infectious to others.
Who can be affected?
More than half of all adults have
been infected in the past and are
immune. Infection can occur at any
age, although children aged between
the ages of five and 14 are most
susceptible.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom is a facial
rash, which looks like slapped cheeks.
The rash typically spreads to the body
and limbs, and may last up to three
weeks. It often fades, but returns
when exposed to sunlight or heat.
Before the rash develops, the
following symptoms may occur:
• mild fever or flu-like symptoms;
Infection is most common in children
aged between five and 14 years, but
it can occur at any age. Studies have
shown that around three out of five
adults (60 per cent) in the UK have
been infected with ‘Erythrovirus’
(parvovirus B19) in the past, and are
now immune.
How is it spread?
The virus is spread from person to
person through the respiratory tract.
This means that it is spread through
coughs and sneezes. It can also be
passed on during pregnancy through
the placenta.
• headache;
How is it diagnosed?
• stuffy or runny nose;
The infection is normally diagnosed
through the clinical symptoms alone.
However, when it is considered
necessary to confirm an ‘Erythrovirus’
infection - for example, during
pregnancy - blood samples can be
tested.
• sore throat;
• tiredness; or
• itching.
In some children, there may be
nausea, abdominal pain and
diarrhoea. Adults may develop aches
or pains in their joints. In rare cases,
there may be brain or heart circulation
problems.
2
How can spread be
prevented?
When can I go back to work
or school?
There is no vaccine or medicine
that prevents slapped cheek
syndrome. Frequent hand washing is
recommended to reduce the chance
of becoming infected.
As people are not infectious by the
time the rash develops, it is not
necessary to exclude the person from
school, nursery or work.
It is difficult to prevent the spread of
infection, since people are infectious
before the rash develops. It is,
therefore, not necessary to exclude the
person from school, nursery or work.
Further information
What is the treatment?
Treatment of symptoms such as fever,
pain or itching is usually all that is
needed for slapped cheek syndrome.
Adults with joint pain and swelling
may need to rest, restrict movement
and take appropriate painkillers. Your
family doctor (GP) or community
pharmacist can offer advice.
For further information on slapped
cheek syndrome, please contact:
Health Protection Nurse Specialist
Department of Public Health - NHS
Ayrshire & Arran
Telephone:
01292 885858
Email:
[email protected]
Are there any
complications?
There is a small chance that if infected
during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy
that the virus may affect the baby.
There is a small risk of miscarriage.
Pregnant women who are worried
they may have been exposed to
this infection or who develop a rash
themselves should contact their family
doctor (GP) or midwife for guidance.
People with a weakened immune
system or who have a blood disorder
such as sickle cell anaemia may
develop severe anaemia. In this case,
you may need to be admitted to
hospital.
3
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Compiled by: Public Health Department
Review date: July 2015
Leaflet reference: PHD09-002-GD