A MAJOR health warning has been issued over a spike in cases of slapped cheek syndrome - a viral infection common in children that causes a rash that lasts for weeks. Health bosses have advised groups at increased risk for complications from the infection to seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms. It is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19 that causes slapped cheek syndrome - and the most common symptom is the appearance of a bright red rash on both cheeks.
There were 116 cases of the infection confirmed in Ireland in the first quarter of 2024. This number is higher than the annual cases from previous years - 30 to 61 cases per year between 2020 and 2023. The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) said yesterday in an assessment that nine countries reported a rise in detection by March, some stretching back towards the end of last year.
ECDC also said they are seeing indications of an increase in Ireland, as there is not a notifiable disease surveillance in place. The groups at increased risk for complications from infection include pregnant women, people who are immunocompromised and those who have haemoglobinopathies. Slapped cheek syndrome is usually a mild self-limiting viral illness and is very common in childhood - although it can also affect adults and could be more serious.
It is contagious, and you can infect others during the initial stages of the infection. The virus spread in similar ways to colds and the flu. Slapped cheek syndrome should c.
