There is no vaccine or treatment that prevents slapped cheek disease. Erythema infectiosum most commonly affects young children and often occurs in several members of the family or school class. Specific IgM antibody titres decline 23 months after infection, while IgG levels, which appear 2 weeks after infection, can persist indefinitely. Slapped cheek rash After a few days, a distinctive bright red rash on both cheeks (the so-called slapped cheeks) normally appears, although adults may not get this.
Outbreaks occur during winter and spring, with epidemics occurring every 34 years. To ensure the site functions as intended, please Should I go to work if my child has hand foot and mouth? Excluding children with the condition from a centre will not prevent the spread of the disease. they create glass like Assess your symptoms online with our free symptom checker. 2014;171(3):454-63. Once rash appears, a child is no longer contagious. Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19. 2014;24(3):15468. Slapped cheek is contagious before it is diagnosed and the rash appears. Slapped cheek/Fifth disease/Parvovirus B19 None SEE: Vulnerable individuals and Pregnancy (below) Shingles None (as no longer infectious once it is diagnosed), Once the lesions have crusted or healed or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, Unexplained diarrhoea and/or vomiting (e.g. Excluding children with the condition from a centre will not prevent the spread of the disease. However, making sure that everyone in your household washes their hands frequently may help stop the infection from spreading. It is common in children, with outbreaks occurring in winter and spring. Headache, itch or common coldtype symptoms may precede the rash. Fifth disease, or erythema infectiosum, is a contagious viral infection common among school-age children. Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by a virus (parvovirus B19). A child is infectious up to five or six days before the first symptoms appear. This develops a lace-like or network pattern. Rarely, the aching joint symptoms last for some time after the other symptoms have gone. If you're not immune, you'll be monitored carefully to check for any problems. Symptoms may include: a high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more runny nose sore throat headache After 1 to 3 days, a bright red rash appears on both cheeks. Infection Exclusion period Comments Athlete's foot None Athlete's foot is not a serious condition. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? It commonly affects primary school children and is not dangerous for most people. PDF MINIMUM EXCLUSION PERIOD - Health Service Executive Immunosuppressed people with chronic anaemia due to infection may excrete virus for years. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Slapped cheek disease is characterised by bright red cheeks, a cold-like illness and, sometimes, an itchy rash on the torso and limbs.