Important Health Announcement: Fifth Disease

Dear Parents/Guardians:

There has been one reported case of Fifth Disease, sometimes called ‘Slapped Cheek Disease’, at Essex.

Fifth’s Disease is a mildly infectious, respiratory, disease that affects school children from time to time, and is caused by a virus that is spread in much the same way as the cold virus. Symptoms of the disease include a fever and rash shaped like a hand print on the face.

While Fifth’s Disease is mild in children it can have implications for pregnant women.  At this point, there is no vaccine and no medication to treat Fifth Disease.

Contact your family doctor if you suspect you or your child has Fifth Disease.  Please let the school know if the diagnosis is positive.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school or you may also call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.

Thanks,
Natalie