Slapped Cheek Syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by infection with a virus called parvovirus B 19. This is also called Fifth disease, because it was the 5th disease of childhood to be described with similar symptoms. Outbreaks often occur in the spring, though the illness can occur at any time of the year. Spread is by droplet inhalation (which means it's carried in droplets of infected saliva produced by a cough or sneeze) from another infected person. Symptoms may be mild - a few days malaise with a slight headache is followed by the development of the characteristic red flush on the cheek and then a lacelike rash over the body. This can be a dangerous disease in the late stages of pregnancy, causing anaemia and possible death of the foetus.
 
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