Some Rotorua schools are alerting parents and their school communities of a common viral infection called Slapped Cheek Disease after cases have been reported in the city.
The disease, also known as Fifth Disease, is a common childhood viral infection caused by human parvovirus B19.
Symptoms can include headache, body ache, sore
throat, mild fever and chills that last two to three days.
Children then develop a bright red rash on their cheeks which is where the disease gets it nickname.
Toi Te Ora - Public Health Services had not received any reports of an outbreak of the virus in the city.
However, a spokesman from one Rotorua school, who did not want to be identified, told The Daily Post they had a small outbreak of the virus earlier this year.
A spokesperson from the school said their outbreak involved a few confirmed cases and suspected cases.
It was the first time they had heard of it happening at the school, and were only made aware of it after a student was diagnosed with it.
The school had now read up on it and teachers had been informed to look out for symptoms.
People could avoid catching Slapped Cheek Disease with frequent and thorough hand washing.
There is no specific treatment for it. However, treatment of the symptoms may be required.
The infection is normally mild and once people have caught it, they generally will not get it again.
Otonga Road Primary School principal Linda Woon said she had seen a few cases at the school.
Mrs Woon said the school took direct approaches to deal with a virus outbreak - they sent information out to parents and stressed the importance of hygiene to their students.
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