What is slapped cheek syndrome?

Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease), is a mild to moderately contagious viral infection common among school children aged three to 15, occurring particularly in the winter and early spring. It is called slapped-cheek syndrome because of the characteristic initial red marks on the face in children . Although it can resemble other childhood rashes, such as rubella or scarlet fever, slapped cheek syndrome usually begins with the distinctive, sudden appearance of bright red cheeks that look as if the child has been slapped. This disease rare in infants and adults. Slapped cheek syndrome is usually mild. It is spread by respiratory droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through blood. It poses little risk to healthy children and adults, but pregnant women without immunity to slapped cheek syndrome have an increased risk of miscarriage because it can cause anaemia in the unborn baby.