What is slapped cheek disease?
Slapped cheek disease is sometimes called fifth disease or erythema infectiosum. It is an infection caused by the parvovirus B19 virus. It most commonly occurs in children aged 4-12 years, but anyone can be affected. It is infectious (can be passed on). The infectious period is for 4-20 days before the rash appears. By the time the rash develops, it is usually no longer infectious. In the UK, April and May are the peak months for this condition. However, it may occur at any time. The majority of adults in the UK have had this infection in the past, usually without realising it. You normally have slapped cheek disease only once in a lifetime. This is because you make antibodies during the infection which protect you from future infections with this same virus. Note: pet dogs or cats can be immunised against parvovirus. However, these are animal parvoviruses which are different from parvovirus B19.
