As families head into the winter months and children remain in schools, parents and teachers often focus on preventing common illnesses such as colds, flu, and RSV. However, another viral infection – parvovirus B19 – can sometimes go unnoticed until symptoms appear.
Commonly known as “slapped cheek syndrome,” or parvovirus B19 is named for the distinctive bright red rash that forms on the cheeks, resembling the appearance of being slapped. This highly transmissible viral illness primarily affects children, especially those aged 4 to 10 years. At this age, children have not been exposed to this virus and remain susceptible when exposed to group environments like schools or daycare settings, which may not always be clean.
Understanding how the virus spreads, its symptoms, and effective management strategies can help keep children healthy throughout the year.
What is Parvovirus B19?
Parvovirus B19, also known as erythema infectiosum or “fifth disease,” is primarily spread through respiratory secretions, such as mucus, saliva, or respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. It can also be transmitted through blood products. Although cases are more common in winter and spring, parvovirus B19 can be spread year-round.
Symptoms of Parvovirus B19
The early symptoms of parvovirus B19 often resemble those of a common cold and may include:
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Joint pain
Approximately 25% of children infected with parvovirus B19 show no symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, early signs can make the virus difficult to detect, allowing it to spread easily.
The incubation period for parvovirus B19 ranges from 4 to 20 days. Within 4 to 14 days after infection, a distinctive rash often develops. This bright red rash, typically appearing on the cheeks, may spread to the arms, legs, and torso, and can persist for several weeks. In some cases, the rash may worsen with exposure to heat, sunlight, or stress. Joint pain is common as well.
In most children, parvovirus B19 is a mild illness that resolves on its own. A pediatrician can diagnose the infection through a physical exam and, if necessary, a blood test. Treatment generally involves supportive care such as:
- Rest
- Fluids
- Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain
Parvovirus B19 is contagious during the week before the rash appears. Once the rash develops, the child is no longer contagious and does not need to be isolated. After the illness, most children recover quickly and fully. If your child has recovered from parvovirus B19 and has a normal immune system, they are generally protected from future infections with this virus.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While parvovirus B19 is usually mild for otherwise healthy children and often requires little treatment, it can cause complications in children with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions such as cancer, sickle cell disease, asthma, or cystic fibrosis. In these high-risk groups, the infection can temporarily halt the production of red blood cells, leading to severe anemia.
Call your child’s pediatrician or seek medical attention if your child has these symptoms from parvovirus B19:
- Extreme fatigue
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent or worsening joint pain
- High fever
- Severe rash
At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, the Infectious Disease Center offers comprehensive education and care for children affected by infectious diseases, including parvovirus B19. The expert care team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs, from diagnosis to ongoing support. In cases where children face complications from parvovirus B19 due to immunosuppression or underlying conditions, the center offers specialized care to ensure that these children can recover fully and resume their daily activities.
Ways to Prevent the Spread of Parvovirus B19
As the winter holidays approach, cases of parvovirus B19 are expected to rise. It is important for parents, teachers, grandparents, and caregivers to understand this infectious disease, including how to prevent and manage it. This knowledge can help reduce its spread and ensure the safety and well-being of all children.
While there is no vaccine or medicine to prevent your child from getting the virus, there are other ways that can help reduce the risk:
- Good Hand Hygiene Practice: Encourage children to wash their hands consistently and frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose, or being out in public places. Washing hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of virus. Hand sanitizer is also a good alternative when soap and water is not available.
- Respiratory Etiquette: Teach children to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or elbow when sneezing or coughing. This will prevent respiratory droplets from spreading and reduce the spread of parvovirus B19 or other viral infections.
- Stay Home When Sick: Keep children who have symptoms of illness such as a sore throat, runny nose, or fever at home to prevent further spread of the infection. Even though rashes from parvovirus B19 are not contagious, staying home will allow the infected child to rest and recover quickly.
- Cleaning and Disinfection: Frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that children touch like toys, desks, doorknobs, will help reduce the spread of the virus at school, daycare or even home.
- Awareness and Education: Raising awareness among parents, staff, and teachers about the signs and symptoms of the parvovirus B19 can help prevent outbreaks or, if an outbreak does occur, how to properly contain it.
By working with pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, and the community, Miller Children’s & Women’s is dedicated to keeping children safe and healthy, especially year-round. The Infectious Disease Center and its physicians play a crucial role in community education and outreach. Our team regularly partners with local organizations to raise awareness about infectious diseases, preventative measures, and how to manage outbreaks.
At the Infectious Disease Center, our goal is not just to treat children when they get sick, but to empower families with the knowledge they need to prevent illnesses from spreading in the first place. With proper awareness and preventive measures, we can help reduce the spread of parvovirus B19 and protect the well-being of our children.
For any questions or concerns related to this or other infections in children, please contact the Infectious Disease Center at (714) 377-6993.
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