Slapped cheek syndrome starts with fever and cold-like symptoms, before a rash appears on one or both cheeks. Spots then develop on the chest, back, arms and legs. Joint pain and stiffness, which can persist for weeks after the rash has cleared, is possible in adults but is rare in children. The infection in children is otherwise usually mild, not requiring treatment, but it can affect pregnancies.30,45,46

At least 50% to 70% of pregnant women are likely to already be immune to the causative virus, but infection in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy can seriously harm the unborn baby. Hydrops fetalis (fluid accumulation affecting the unborn child’s circulatory and lymph systems) and intrauterine death are possible.46

Hand, foot and mouth disease (not be confused with foot and mouth disease, which affects farm animals) is usually relatively benign but does not result in immunity.14

Starting with fever, malaise and sore throat, the characteristic symptoms follow on with mouth ulcers and a raised rash of spots (which can become blisters) on the hands and feet, and sometimes the bottom and groin.14

Complications include dehydration, and rarely, finger or toe-nail loss, and very rarely, viral meningitis.47