A virus dubbed ‘slapped cheek’ syndrome has seen ‘unusually high numbers of cases’ in Europe is now spreading among children in the US.
A spike in human parvovirus B19 activity in America prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a health advisory last week, after public health officials in 14 countries in Europe saw a rise in cases in the first quarter of this year.
Infections are reported to be surging in children aged five to nine years, with positive tests jumping from 15% in 2022 to 40% in June 2024.
Adults working in schools and healthcare settings in close contact with children also have high risk of infection.
What is ‘slapped cheek’ syndrome?
Commonly known as ‘slapped check’ disease or ‘slapped cheek’ syndrome, parvovirus B19 is a ‘seasonal respiratory virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets’ by people who show symptoms, and those who do not (asymptomatic).
The virus gets its name from the red rash it leaves on children’s cheeks, which can make it look like they have been slapped.
As well as being airborne, the virus can be transmitted from a mother to a fetus during pregnancy, and through blood transfusions and plasma derivates.
‘Slapped cheek’ syndrome is also referred to as fifth disease and erythema infectiosum.
What are symptoms of parvovirus B19?
Children and adults usually report symptoms starting with fever, malaise and joint pain about seven days after being infected, and lasting around five days. This is when they are most contagious.
About seven to 10 days later, the second phase kicks in with a facial rash, or erythema infectiosum, particularly in children. A body rash that appears in a web-like pattern can follow one to four days later.
Typically, the facial rash does not appear until after viral loads (a measure of infectiousness) have declined, according to the CDC.
However, many people infected with the virus may display no symptoms at all.
What are treatments for parvovirus B19?
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus.
The CDC recommends that people who are pregnant and have been exposed to an infected person or show symptoms seek medical care. Those who have a weakened immune system or a chronic hemolytic blood disorder should also seek care.
Wearing a mask can help prevent parvovirus B19 infection.
While the virus got its name from the ‘slapped face’ mark, the CDC stated that ‘children and adults with parvovirus B19 are no longer contagious once the characteristic facial rash appears’.
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