Is Slapped Cheek Contagious?

Fifth disease is a childhood disease that appears as a bright red rash on the cheeks. It's earned the nicknamed “slapped cheek disease” because of this rash. Fifth disease is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. This virus is very contagious and infected people can spread it through coughing or sneezing.

How long are you contagious with slapped cheek?

Slapped cheek is spread by touching or breathing in the coughed or sneezed fluid drops from an infected person. Children with slapped cheek are contagious until 24 hours after their fever has resolved. They will not be able to spread the infection to other people after this time, even if they have a rash.

Can my child go to school with slapped cheek?

The syndrome should clear up by itself. Stay away from nursery or school – once the rash appears, they're no longer contagious.