slapped cheek disease (fifth disease / parvovirus B19)
by catherine alderstein·
exclusion period
no exclusion required once the rash appears — the child is no longer infectious by that point
symptoms
- •bright red rash on both cheeks (looks like the face has been slapped)
- •lace-like rash on arms, legs, and trunk
- •mild fever before the rash appears
- •tiredness
- •cold-like symptoms before the rash
when can your child return to childcare?
the child does not need to be excluded once the rash appears — they are infectious before the rash, not after.
do siblings or contacts need to stay home?
contacts are not excluded. pregnant women who have been exposed should see their GP, as parvovirus B19 can affect the unborn baby.
treatment notes for parents
no specific treatment. rest and fluids. paracetamol for fever. the rash may come and go for several weeks, especially after warm baths or exercise. important: pregnant women should seek medical advice if exposed, as the virus can cause complications in pregnancy.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service.