Parvovirus (Slapped Cheek Syndrome)

Parvovirus (Slapped Cheek Syndrome)

Parvovirus Infection and Slapped Cheek Syndrome are caused by the same common virus.

If you are unwell at present:

  • If you are unwell with Parvovirus (or Slapped Cheek Syndrome) or any illness we ask that you do not attend a blood donor clinic at present.

If you have Parvovirus (or Slapped Cheek Syndrome) at present:

  • You must wait for 4 weeks after you have made a full recovery before you can donate blood.  

If you have been in contact in the last 3 weeks with an adult or child who has Parvovirus or Slapped Cheek Syndrome:   

  • You may donate if you are certain that you had Parvovirus or Slapped Cheek Syndrome yourself in the past
  • If you are uncertain you must wait for 3 weeks (21 days) after your last contact with the person who has suspected or confirmed infection.
  • You may donate if the person only had a rash with no other symptoms at the time you were in contact with them
  • If you were in contact with the person before the rash appeared you must wait for 3 weeks (21 days) after your last contact with the person.

After you have donated blood:

  • If you become unwell with Parvovirus or Slapped Cheek Syndrome in the 4 weeks after donating blood please phone us and let us know as soon as you become unwell. This is important as your donation could transmit Parvovirus to the patient who receives your blood.
  • If you learn after you donate, that an adult or child you were in contact with before you donated, has Parvovirus or Slapped Cheek Syndrome please phone us as soon as possible, even if you have no symptoms yourself.

Call us on 01 432 2800 (National Blood Centre, Dublin) or 021 4807400 (Munster Regional Transfusion Centre, Cork). A doctor is available to advise you 24 hours a day.

More information about Parvovirus is available on:

Parvovirus (slapped cheek disease) and pregnancy - HSE.ie

Factsheets - Health Protection Surveillance Centre (hpsc.ie)