‘Slapped cheek’ virus spreads in US: Know its symptoms and who is at risk

Seasonal respiratory infection Parvovirus B19, also known as “slapped cheek” syndrome, is spreading in Europe and the US. This highly contagious infection, which mostly occurs in young children, is also called ‘fifth disease’. It is the fifth viral skin rash, which is known to affect kids in a list of six conditions, including measles, scarlet fever, Rubella, Dukes’ disease, and Roseola. After seeing a rise in cases of human parvovirus B19 in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert warning. Know the symptoms of “slapped cheek” virus, and who all need to be more careful.

‘Slapped cheek’ syndrome on the rise in Europe and US

Fourteen countries in Europe had reported “unusually high numbers” of “slapped cheek” virus cases, the CDC shared while issuing the warning in August 2024. It has not directly tracked the cases in America, but it said that it got reports of more fifth disease cases than usual.

The percentage of people with Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies, which shows that somebody was infected with Parvovirus B19, rose from less than three percent in 2022 to 10 percent in June 2024, as per the CDC. Children, aged between five and nine, had the most significant rise in the cases. There was a spike from 15 percent in 2022 to 40 percent in June 2024. The cases also included pregnant women with fatal complications for the fetus.

What is the ‘slapped cheek’ virus?

The ‘slapped cheek’ disease or the fifth disease is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19, which is known for infecting only humans. Cases of infections with this virus, which occurs mostly in kids but can affect adults too, tend to rise in early summer, spring and the late winter, according to a research published in StatPearls in 2023.

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The virus, which spreads in a similar way to colds, is found in the droplets in the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. It can also spread by touching contaminated objects, as per the UK’s National Health Service.

What are the symptoms of “slapped cheek” disease?

A red rash on the face or the ‘slapped cheek’ rash is a symptom associated with this infection. This symptom, which typically appears a few days after fever, is more common in children than adults, as per the CDC. You can also notice rash on the chest, back, buttocks, arms and legs. The rash, which may be itchy, usually goes away in a week or 10 days. Other symptoms include runny nose, sore throat and headache.

There can be swelling and pain in the joints, a symptom more common in adults, especially women. They may experience joint pain, usually in the hands, knees, and feet, without other symptoms. This pain usually lasts for a week or 3 weeks, but sometimes they may experience it for months or longer.

Who is at risk?

The symptoms are usually mild for children and adults if they don’t have any other ailments. But in some cases, it can cause a severe drop in blood count in people with blood disorders or those who have a weak immune system.

Anyone can be at risk, but the chances of complications from parvovirus B19 infection are higher in people with the following health conditions –

• Cancer
• Organ transplant
• HIV infection
• Blood disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell disease

Treatment for ‘slapped cheek’

Usually, there is no need to see a doctor for slapped cheek syndrome, as per the UK’s National Health Service. The following can help to ease the symptoms:

• Rest as much as you can
• Stay hydrated by drinking water and healthy beverages like fruit juices or coconut water
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable, but don’t give aspirin to children under 16.

It is difficult to prevent or stop slapped cheek syndrome from spreading because most people don’t know they have it until they notice the rash, as per the NHS.

You can do the following to reduce the risk of spreading this virus:

• Wash your hands properly with water and soap, especially after sneezing or coughing
• Use tissues to trap germs whenever you sneeze or cough
• Throw away the used tissues in a dustbin as quickly as possible.

The “Slapped cheek” disease or fifth disease is contagious, and can cause symptoms like rashes, especially in children, and joint pains mostly in adults. People with blood disorders or those who have weak immunity, and pregnant women need to be more careful.