Slapped Cheek Disease (Fifth Disease)

Key points about slapped cheek disease

• slapped cheek disease is common in young tamariki
• it causes a bright red rash on the cheeks
• slapped cheek disease is usually a mild viral illness and is caused by the parvovirus B19
• this virus spreads through coughing, sneezing and being in contact with people who have the virus

What is slapped cheek disease?

Slapped cheek disease, also known as fifth disease, is a common and usually mild viral illness that mainly affects young tamariki. It causes a bright red rash on the cheeks.

Causes of slapped cheek disease

Slapped cheek disease is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. This virus is different from the parvovirus that affects pets, so it cannot be passed between humans and animals.

How slapped cheek disease spreads

Slapped cheek disease spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and being in contact with people who have the virus. 

Symptoms of slapped cheek disease

Symptoms of slapped cheek disease usually start around 2 weeks after being infected.

Early symptoms

The first symptoms of slapped cheek disease in tamariki are:

• fever
• headache
• runny nose
• sore throat

Rash

Face rash

A few days after the early symptoms start, a bright red rash can appear on the cheeks.

Body rash

Your child may also have a rash on their chest, back, arms and legs. This rash can look like a lace pattern on the skin. This rash can come and go for several weeks or even months, especially if the skin is exposed to sunlight or heat.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms that tamariki with slapped cheek disease may get include:

• red eyes
• swollen glands
• runny poo (diarrhoea)
• joint pain or swelling

When to get medical help for your child

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or take your child to a health professional if they:

• develop a rash and you don’t know what’s causing it
• have ongoing fevers
• have sore or swollen joints
• are unwell and you’re worried about them

Managing slapped cheek disease

There is no specific treatment for slapped cheek disease. It’s caused by a viral illness. Most tamariki get better by themselves. 

Treatment for slapped cheek disease focuses on relieving your child’s symptoms. 

How to care for your child with slapped cheek disease at home

Food and fluid

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. Offer them small amounts, often. Your child may not feel like eating much when they have slapped cheek disease. Their appetite will return as they start to get better.

Paracetamol if needed

You can give paracetamol if your child is in discomfort or miserable with a fever. You must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle or packet. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.

Never give your child aspirin, as this may increase the risk of Reye syndrome, which is a rare and serious illness.

Cool face cloth

If your child has a burning feeling over their cheeks, putting a cold face cloth on their cheeks can help relieve this. 

Possible complications from slapped cheek disease

Complications from slapped cheek disease are very rare in healthy tamariki and rangatahi (young people).

Because parvovirus affects blood cells, a rare complication of slapped cheek disease includes anaemia (low blood count).

Some tamariki are at higher risk of complications. This includes tamariki with:

• red blood cell problems such as anaemia
• a weakened immune system

Complications in pregnancy

If you are pregnant and you get slapped cheek disease, or you’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus, see a health professional immediately. Parvovirus can be dangerous for unborn pēpi (babies). 

Preventing slapped cheek disease from spreading

There is no vaccination for slapped cheek disease.

You can help prevent the spread of slapped cheek disease through careful hand washing.

Does my child with slapped cheek disease need to stay home from preschool or school?

Keep tamariki with slapped cheek disease at home if they are unwell and have symptoms like a fever. There’s no need to keep your child home from child care, preschool or school if they have a rash but are otherwise well.