What are the symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease) in children?
• Low-grade temperature • Bright red cheeks • A flat or raised red rash, usually on the arms and legs, which lasts from two to 39 days and may itch. The rash fades from the centre of red areas towards the edges, giving it a lacy appearance. The rash can recur after exercise, warm baths, rubbing the skin, or emotional upset. • Less commonly, headache, sore throat, and joint pain Not all children with fifth disease develop the rash. Conversely, parents of some children may become concerned if the rash lasts several weeks or fluctuates with environmental factors, such as exercise and warm baths. Both are normal. The following symptoms are more frequent and more severe in adults with parvovirus B19 infections, and they generally precede the rash, which often does not occur in adults, by seven to 10 days: • Headache • Sore throat • Muscle pain • Joint pain • Abdominal pain • Temperature Most foetuses are unaffected when their mothers contract the virus, and it has not been proven to cause b
