23 children have Slapped Cheek Syndrome
Health ministry says 23 children have been reported to be suffering from slapped cheek syndrome since the beginning of 2013.
24 May 2013, 12:00am
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
2 min read
Slapped cheek syndrome is a type of viral infection that is most common in children, although it can affect anyone of any age.
The health ministry has been informed of 23 children suffering from slapped cheek syndrome since the beginning of this year from various localities in Malta.
"There is no need for alarm," the Ministry for Health said as it noted that it is raising awareness about this condition among the general population and among parents of children where specific cases have been identified.
The ministry said that slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection that is most common in children mainly, although it can affect anyone of any age.
Slapped cheek syndrome usually affects children between the ages of 3 and 15. Most cases develop during the late winter months or early spring.
The most common symptom of slapped cheek syndrome is the appearance of a distinctive bright red rash on the cheeks. This is how the condition got its name.
The syndrome 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.
It can be spread through coughs and sneezes that release tiny droplets of contaminated saliva which are then breathed in by another person.
It's very difficult to prevent the spread of the virus as people are most contagious before their symptoms begin, so they are unaware that they are infected.
Once somebody is infected a lifelong immunity is developed and the infected person will not experience any further symptoms.
The ministry pointed out that frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent the syndrome from spreading.
It also warned 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, the ministry advised.
