Does my child have to stay off school with slapped cheek? The virus spreads to other people, surfaces or objects by coughing or sneezing near them. In the UK, April and May are the peak months for slapped cheek disease. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Thevirus is spread in a similar waytocolds and flu. BJOG: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. Once the rash appears the child is no longer infectious. What is the exclusion period for slapped cheek? The rash, erythema infectiosum, appears a few days later with firm red cheeks, which feel burning hot. Fifth disease (Slapped cheek disease) | healthdirect until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting. This parvovirus only infects humans. Search NHS Inform - Click here to submit this form. It spreads via respiratory droplets, and has an incubation period of 710 days. NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window, Last updated: DermNet does not provide an online consultation service.If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. in schools and other childcare settings. Health information, advice, support and services. If this is the case then you can be reassured and will not usually need other tests or treatment. Complications of parvovirus B19 infection are rare in healthy people. Erythema infectiosum codes and concepts. Erythema infectiosum What is the closest relative to a hamster? In some cases, you may see a second rash that develops after the slapped cheek rash. The incubation period (the time between infection and signs or symptoms of illness) is usually 4-14 days, but it can be as long as 21 days. The virus spreads to other people, surfaces or objects by coughing or sneezing near them. A licensed medical However, slapped cheek syndrome can be more serious for some people. Typically, the rash looks like a bright red scald on one or both cheeks. By the time the rash develops, it is usually no longer infectious. Sharing of cutlery, cups and plates should be avoided. Let the school or teacher know if your child has slapped cheek syndrome. The incubation period for slapped cheek disease is usually between four and 14 days after contact (in rare cases, up to 21 days). NICE (April 2009). Parvovirus B19 Associated Hepatitis. You do not usually need to see a GP for slapped cheek syndrome. Slapped cheek disease - Better Health Channel Page last reviewed: 11 November 2021 They might do a blood test to check for antibodies to the virus that causes the disease. In adults, the rash is often absent or atypical. You've been exposed to anyone with slapped cheek or you have symptoms of the infection and: In these cases, ablood test may be carried out to see if you're immune to the infection. Adults with the condition should stay away from work until theyre feeling better. The infectious period is for 4-20 days before the rash appears. Erythema infectiosum. Fifth disease. Parvovirus | DermNet Fifth disease, or erythema infectiosum, is a contagious viral infection common among school-age children. This often has a raised, lace-like appearance and may be itchy. Is ampicillin good for respiratory infection? You could need a blood transfusion, which would require a hospital stay. Acetaminophen to help lower fever and relieve muscle aches and pains.. Often parents wont know their child has slapped cheek. 2023 Oxbridge Solutions Ltd. Any distribution or duplication of the information Slapped cheek is spread by sneezing, coughing, kissing or close contact. Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum, "slapped cheek"syndrome) Not required. Is slapped cheek dangerous? It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks. For most children, infection with slapped cheek disease initially causes little more than cold symptoms. To ease symptoms while it clears up, you should: These can be signs of severe anaemia you may need a blood transfusion. If you have had the disease in the past (even if you had it without developing any symptoms) then you will be immune to it. Slapped cheek disease can be passed on (it is infectious). 1 2 days before rash appears until all spots scabbed over (usually 5-7 days), When all spots are scabbed over (minimum of 5 days from rash), No exclusion for mild cases. Author: Hon A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 1998. Immunosuppressed people may develop severe chronic anaemia from red cell aplasia. You can only spread it to other people before the rash appears. This can continue for many weeks, even after the other symptoms have gone. Thus, children wih EI may attend school or child care, because they are no longer contagious at the time that the rash appears. Erythema Infectiousum (Fifth Disease, Slapped Cheek Syndrome) Why is slapped cheek called fifth disease? Infection in the first half of pregnancy can cause fetal anaemia with hydrops fetalis (abnormal fluid accumulation in the fetus). Note: pet dogs or cats can be immunised against parvovirus. These include: In most cases, erythema infectiosum is a clinical diagnosis in a child with characteristic slapped cheek and lacy rash. Slapped cheek syndrome is infectious for about 7 to 10 days before the rash sets init's during this period that your child might experience the cold-like symptoms as well. By the time this rash develops, the condition is no longer contagious. 2014;171(3):454-63. It is also known as fifth disease and human erythrovirus infection. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. However, making sure that everyone in your household washes their hands frequently may help stop the infection from spreading. It's rarer in adults, but can be more serious. 2014;24(3):15468. has led some authorities to recommend exclusion from school - however mmost HPS Website - Parvovirus B19 Public Health Wales Health Protection Team The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". All rights reserved. Slapped cheek | RPH Your child may have a high temperature, sore throat or headache to begin with. See preventing hand, foot and mouth disease below for more information about stopping the infection spreading. There's currently no vaccine available to protect you against the condition. of Health (2005). Slapped cheek is passed on in droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected person, mainly by close contact, coughing and sneezing. Your doctor will usually arrange for you to have a blood test to see if you have had slapped cheek disease in the past. 1 What is the exclusion period for slapped cheek? PDF Guidance on Infection Control in Schools - HSCNI Approximately 50-60% of people in the UK have had slapped cheek disease in the past, usually without realising it. By the time this rash develops, the condition is no longer contagious. It looks as if the cheek(s) have been slapped. Parvovirus B19 infection | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE The cheek rash usually fades within 2 weeks. The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians. Exclude only if rash is weeping and cannot be covered None Recommended period to be kept away from school, nursery or childminders 48 hours from last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting Should be excluded for 48 hours from the last episode of diarrhoea Further exclusion may be required for some children until they are no longer excreting It is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19 and you may not even realise if you have been infected with this as the symptoms are mild. Although usually a mild childhood condition, erythrovirus B19 infection can result in complications. Immunosuppressed people with chronic anaemia due to infection may excrete virus for years. See more images of erythema infectiosum Parvovirus B19 infection causes nonspecific viral symptoms such as mild fever and headache at first. The rash may appear on other parts of the body (such as the arms, trunk, buttocks, and thighs). It is a common infection half of adults have been infected during their childhood. The others include rubella, measles, scarlet fever, chickenpox, and roseola infantum. They will not be able to spread the infection to other people after this time, even if they have a rash. This will show if you have slapped cheek disease and can also show if you have had this disease in the past. The Chief Health Officer will then direct when attendance can be resumed. Next review due: 18 February 2024, you're pregnant there's a very small risk of, you have a weakened immune system for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes, wash your hands often with water and soap, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze. Once you've had the infection, you're usually immune to it for life. Kishore J. Scenario: Children and adults (not pregnant) - CKS | NICE It's hard to avoid spreading slapped cheek syndrome. It is chiefly characterized by a bright red rash on the cheeks as if someone has slapped hard, thus the name. There is no vaccine or treatment that prevents slapped cheek disease. What is the exclusion period for slapped cheek? It should fade in five to 10 days. a school or workplace. It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks. Sometimes a more widespread faint rash appears on the body, arms and legs. Asymptomatic infection with human parvovirus B19 is common (2025 per cent). This policy was reviewed in November 2021. Adults might also have joint pain and stiffness. No specific treatment is required for uncomplicated infection. Let the school or teacher know if your child has slapped cheek syndrome. Slapped cheek syndrome - HSE.ie Inform parents who are pregnant. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Topics AZ 8 Why is slapped cheek called fifth disease? Slapped cheek syndrome is usually mild and should clear up without specific treatment. The only times the illness may become more serious are: Most pregnant women are immune to this germ (virus), or will not be seriously affected if they become infected by it. The most common symptom of parvovirus B19 is a facial rash, which spreads to the trunk and limbs, usually preceded by a non-specific flu-like illness. But it can cause chronic anemia in some people. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. The application of an ice-cold flannel can relieve the discomfort of burning hot cheeks. The cheek rash usually fades within 2 weeks. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. Although the rash can look quite dramatic, the illness itself is usually mild. There is no specific treatment. After inhaling the virus, a child usually takes around a week or two to manifest symptoms. Are there any tests for slapped cheek disease? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Kids Health Information : Slapped cheek (fifth disease) Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19) is a viral infection that's most common in children. 5) ) Fuller LC et al. People infected with parvovirus B19 are considered non-infectious one day after the rash begins. (Fifth Disease, Slapped Cheek Syndrome . Slapped cheek syndrome | NHS inform It usually affects children between the ages of 3 and 15. Reviews in Medical Virology. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Stuffy or runny nose Sore. arrow-right-small-blue However, some adults infected with parvovirus B19 can develop redness and swelling of hands and feet. Slapped cheek syndrome is common in children and should clear up on its own within 3 weeks. but maintains editorial independence. Human parvovirus infection occurs worldwide and is a common childhood disease. The disease is rare in infants and adults., The rash typically appears a week to 10 days after symptoms similar to those of the common cold, such as:. on hand, foot and mouth disease, child can return 24 hours after commencing appropriate antibiotic treatment, antibiotic treatment recommended for the affected child, until lesions are crusted and healed, or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic Use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze and bin used tissues as quickly as possible. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ), At managers discretion: (if there are other cases of D and/or V, the child may be excluded as a precaution). Fifth disease got its name many years ago when it was the fifth on a list of the six recognized childhood rash-forming illnesses. Those children who are well and have a rash may continue to attend the centre. professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. Miscarriage is more common in women who are infected with this virus before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Outbreaks occur during winter and spring, with epidemics occurring every 34 years. Diarrhoea A child is infectious up to five or six days before the first symptoms appear. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.