What is 'slapped cheek disease' and should parents be concerned?

Despite its rough name, experts say most cases of 'slapped cheek disease' are mild and not a cause for concern.

Also known as "slapped cheek disease" for the red rash it can cause on children's faces, fifth disease is a common viral infection that affects the skin, airway and joints. Despite its rough nickname, experts say symptoms are usually mild and not a cause for concern.

"This disease is a very common illness in childhood," pediatrician Dr. Dina Kulik from Kidcrew Medical in Toronto told CP24. "Most kids that get it will have very mild symptoms, sometimes fever or sore throat or runny nose, but the hallmark of it is a red rash on the cheeks that often looks like they were slapped."

Based on information from the Canadian Paediatric Society, Public Health Agency of Canada, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here's what you need to know about fifth disease.

Fifth disease, or erythema infectiosum, is caused by the virus parvovirus B19. Much like the common cold, it can spread through droplets in the air from coughs or sneezes, or by touching something contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. It is most prevalent in late winter, spring and early summer and mostly affects children. Those who had it as a child usually won't get it again. Minor outbreaks can occur every three to four years.

Kulik says she's personally seen three cases so far this week at her clinic in Toronto.

"Usually I would see a couple per month around this season," Kulik said. "Now we may not see any more for the rest of spring, or it might be the beginning of many more cases, but it is definitely a higher rate than I've seen in previous springs."