Slapped cheek syndrome is a common childhood viral infection. However, it can affect people of all ages. The most common symptom of slapped cheek syndrome is the appearance of a bright red rash on both cheeks (hence the name). Slapped cheek syndrome is cause by a virus called parvovirus B19.
Slapped cheek syndrome is also sometimes known as:
- fifth disease, and
- erythema infectiosum.
How common is slapped cheek syndrome?
Slapped cheek syndrome is thought to be very common. Most people do not realise that they have been infected by the parvovirus B19 virus because it often causes very mild symptoms that are similar to a cold, or no symptoms at all.
It is estimated that 50-80 per cent of all adults have been infected by parvovirus 19. Once you are infected, your body will develop life-long immunity against further infection.
Slapped cheek syndrome usually affects children who are between 3-15 years of age. Most cases develop during the late winter months or early spring. Males and females are equally affected by the condition.
Cases of slapped cheek syndrome usually follow a cyclical pattern with an upsurge in cases occurring every 4-7 years.
Parvovirus B19 is contagious
Airborne viruses are viruses that can survive for a short period of time in the outside environment.
Parvovirus B19 is an airborne virus that is spread in much the same way as the cold or flu viruses. It can be spread through coughs and sneezes that release tiny droplets of contaminated saliva which are then breathed in by another person.
At risk groups
In children, slapped cheek syndrome is almost always a mild, self-limiting infection, which means that it will get better by itself without the need for treatment.
However, there are certain groups of people in which a parvovirus B19 infection can cause serious symptoms and complications. These are listed below.
- People with certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia, where the blood does not contain enough healthy red blood cells (anaemia) and where infection can lead to a further and more severe loss of red blood cells.
- Pregnant women without immunity - parvovirus B19 infection can increase the risk of a miscarriage because the virus can cause severe anaemia in the unborn child.
- People with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) either due to a side effect of treatment, such as chemotherapy, or from a condition such as HIV. These groups can experience prolonged, and sometime severe, symptoms of infection.
Outlook
The outlook for children with slapped cheek syndrome is excellent. The symptoms will usually pass within 4-5 weeks, and serious complications are very rare.
The outlook for people who are in ‘at risk’ groups is generally good, as long as the condition is recognised and treated promptly.
People with blood disorders will usually require a blood transfusion to restore the full amount of red blood cells.
Pregnant women with a potential risk of having a miscarriage may require an admission to hospital so that their unborn babies can be given a blood transfusion.
Immunocompromised people (those with weakened immune systems) can usually be treated with an injection of antibodies that have been donated by a person who has immunity to infection.
See the complications section for more information about ‘at risk groups’ and recommended treatments.
