Headteacher: Mrs. I. Peirson

Brough Primary School Springfield Avenue Brough E. Yorkshire HU15 1AE Fax: (01482) 665459 Telephone: (01482) 667352 Web: www.broughprimary.eril.net

4^th March 2008

Dear Parent/Guardian

We have had a few reported cases of children suffering from Erythema Infectiosum (slapped cheek syndrome). The symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome can vary from a minor illness, possibly with headache, mild fever and sore throat, to erythema infectiosum, which produces a typical rash that appears on the cheeks, hence its name ‘slapped cheek’.

Slapped cheek syndrome is transferred from person to person through the air, in saliva or through close contact, such as through coughing and sneezing. This means it can rapidly spread through schools easily. The incubation period of slapped check syndrome is between 4 – 20 days. Physical symptoms are not usually present during the contagious stages of the virus. People infected with slapped check syndrome can pass it on without knowing during the early part of the illness but, when the rash appears, you or your child are no longer contagious to others. There is therefore, no minimal period of exclusion. However, pregnant women should seek medical advice.

To prevent the spread of slapped cheek syndrome, try to ensure that everyone washes their hands frequently, in order to reduce the chances of the infection spreading.

May I also take this opportunity to remind parents that children should not be in school before 08.45hrs unless at the request of the School.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely

Mrs I Peirson

Head Teacher