Fifth Disease (Slap Face)

Dear Parents,
a student in the Kindergarten has contracted Fifth Disease (slap face). Symptoms, when they occur, include mild fever, cough and running nose, which may or may not be followed by a rash (often children look like they have been slapped on the face, hence the name) .
Women's and Children's Hospital information tells us that Fifth disease is a viral infection caused by the human parvovirus B19 and once the rash appears the person is no longer infectious. Children do not need to be excluded from school unless they are feeling unwell or uncomfortable.
Please note that pregnant women, particularly in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, who have been exposed should contact their doctor immediately.
Please note that people who are immune suppressed may remain infectious for many months after the rash appears.
To aid in minimising the spread of Fifth disease in our centre we will be reiterating with the children the importance of washing hands and not coughing and sneezing on others and ask for your assistance in reinforcing this at home.
Thank you
Mel Bishop