23 children reported to be suffering Slapped Cheek Syndrome

The Ministry for Health said today that 23 children had been reported to be suffering from slapped cheek syndrome since the beginning of this year in various localities in Malta. Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection that is most common in children, although it can affect anyone of any age. It is caused by a virus called a parvovirus which is spread in much the same way as the cold or flu viruses through infected secretions from the nose and throat. Most children will not need treatment as slapped cheek syndrome is usually a very mild condition that passes in a few days. The main symptom is a blotchy red rash on the face, resembling slapped cheeks, that could later spread to other parts of the body. Prevention of spread is by frequent hand washing. The ministry said that if a pregnant woman acquires the infection before 20 weeks of pregnancy, as might happen in other infections during this stage of pregnancy, there is a slightly higher risk of miscarriage. In such a case where a pregnant woman is exposed to an infected child she should consult her gynaecologist for necessary investigations. "There is no need for alarm. The Ministry for Health is raising awareness about this...