TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control on Tuesday warned travelers visiting eastern Japan of an outbreak of “Slapped Cheek Disease,” also known as “fifth disease," or erythema infectiosum due to parvovirus B19 infection.

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that infections in Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Kanagawa, have reached epidemic levels, with the number of patients in some areas reaching a 25-year high. Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should exert more caution, per CNA.

Medical experts remind the public that the disease does not require special treatment and is generally benign. Prevention methods include wearing masks and frequent hand washing. 

The disease spreads through droplets. It typically begins with upper respiratory tract symptoms such as fever, runny nose, or other cold-like symptoms which are soon followed by both cheeks becoming red, or appearing “slapped.”

Lee Ping-ying (李秉穎), a pediatrician at National Taiwan University Hospital, said antiviral drugs are typically not needed and no vaccines are effective in preventing transmission. Lee said symptoms such as a rash on the face may even go unnoticed.

“There are only sporadic cases in Taiwan. The recent epidemic in Japan has led to cluster infections typically amongst those aged 5-18,” said Lee. 

However, some risk groups such as pregnant women, individuals with chronic anemia, and immunocompromised individuals should exercise more caution. Lee said women in the first trimester may experience fetal abnormalities after contracting the disease. Those with anemia should be cautious as the virus can destroy hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow, and immunocompromised, such as HIV patients, may be unable to fight the viral infection.

Lee said prevention measures are effective such as frequent hand washing, avoiding crowded places, and wearing masks. Furthermore, if a family member is infected, proper distance and separating activity is encouraged.