HealthInfo Canterbury
Slapped cheek
Pāpāringa kua pakia
Slapped cheek is a viral infection caused by the parvovirus. It causes bright red cheeks and is most common in tamariki (children).
Some adults can get slapped cheek. If a woman catches slapped cheek during the first half of her pregnancy, there's a small risk of miscarriage. There's also a small risk of her baby getting anaemia from low iron levels.
Symptoms of slapped cheek
You usually get symptoms four to 20 days after being infected. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache and generally feeling unwell. In adults, symptoms can also include swollen, painful joints. These symptoms last for two to three days.
After a couple of days, a bright red rash appears on both cheeks. You can then get a pink, lacy-looking rash on your body, arms and legs. See DermNet for pictures of the rash. The rash usually lasts for two weeks but can come and go for six weeks. When the rash has appeared, you're no longer infectious, but you can pass slapped cheek on for five to six days before the rash appears.
Treating slapped cheek
Slapped cheek is usually a mild infection that clears up by itself.
The treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. Rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You can take paracetamol to help relieve the symptoms.
Getting help for slapped cheek
If you're pregnant and have caught slapped cheek during the first half of your pregnancy, see your GP. You should also see your GP if you have a weakened immune system.
Avoiding the spread of slapped cheek
To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, it's important to have good hand hygiene. This includes washing your hands with soap and water, particularly after coughing or sneezing.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Healthify He Puna Wairoa – Slapped cheek disease (parvovirus B19)
More information about slapped cheek, including its symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2022.
SourcesReview key: HISCH-49711
