This is a very common question for a very common problem. 'Slapped cheek syndrome', sometimes referred to as erythema infectiosum or 'fifth disease', is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. It is usually spread through coughing or sneezing, although it may also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn child with potentially fatal results, and also through blood transfusions.
It is so common that around six in every ten adults show evidence of previous parvovirus infection. Most cases occur in the winter or spring. Epidemics occur around every five years. Most cases are seen in children between five and 15 years of age, and girls are slightly more affected than boys.
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