The 'Slapped Cheek' Virus

Slapped cheek is a common childhood illness. It causes bright red cheeks – like you’ve been slapped – and a lace-like rash on the body.

Slapped cheek most commonly affects children under 10 years of age. Some adults may get it if they are not immune from childhood.

Slapped cheek is passed on in droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected person, mainly by close contact, coughing and sneezing. It can spread quickly through schools.

If your child catches slapped cheek, they will be infectious for 5 or 6 days before the first symptom appears and stop being infectious once the rash appears.

For more information on 'Slapped Cheek' please refer to the Ministry of Health website:

http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/slapped-cheek

Warm regards,

The Junior Syndicate

Kaikorai Primary School