Fifth Disease - An Important Message for Expectant Mothers

Dear Parents,

We have had a case of Fifth Disease at Kindergarten and would like to inform any expectant mothers, particularly those who are in the first 20 weeks, as Fifth Disease can cause complications with unborn babies under this age. Fifth Disease, also known as slap cheek, is easily identifiable by the five red lines across the sufferers cheek (it looks like you've been slapped, hence the name).

Unfortunately children with Fifth Disease are infectious before red marks appear on their face and so we would ask that all parents are proactive in responding to silent signs of illness. If your child is unusually pale, overly flushed for a prolonged period, complaining of a fever or head ache, listless, glassy eyed or without appetite this may mean that they are coming down with Fifth disease or another illness. Isolating children at this stage can prevent sickness spreading rapidly through the centre and we ask for your cooperation in allowing children a day at home when they are feeling unwell.

Thank you
Mel Bishop