We have had a confirmed case of a child with Slapped Cheek in the nursery. Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19) is a viral infection that’s most common in children, although it can affect people of any age. It usually causes a bright red rash to develop on the cheeks.
Although the rash can look alarming, slapped cheek syndrome is normally a mild infection that clears up by itself in one to three weeks. Once you’ve had the infection, you’re usually immune to it for life.
However, slapped cheek syndrome can be more serious for some people. If you’re pregnant, have a blood disorder or a weakened immune system and have been exposed to the virus, you should get medical advice.