A slap in the face you don’t have to worry about

Although it is a common childhood illness that usually presents with mild symptoms such as fever or rash, erythema infectiosum or megaloerythema has gained more prominence than ever in recent days following the publication of a report from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlighting An increase in the incidence of parvovirus B19 (B19V) has been reported in 14 countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA).

The presence of parvovirus can result in this viral disease, popularly known as “slapped cheek disease” because it usually causes erythema on the face of children, especially in the cheek area, resembling the redness that leaves behind a slap in the face.

“This is a very typical virus in pediatrics,” begins to explain Manuel Marrero, head of the pediatric service at the Avila Medical Complex, speaking of a disease that is “very contagious”, but which usually does not cause complications and whose incidence is indeed very high. admits it has increased in recent weeks. “We’re seeing more cases,” says Marrero, who, despite an increase in pediatric consultations for the infection, is sending a message of “calm” to families because it is “a very calm viral condition.” Discomfort in the head, mild fever, a small amount of mucus and a characteristic rash on the face, which after a few days is less intense and can spread to other areas of the body, are the most common symptoms of this disease, which usually affects preschool children. between 5 and 6 years old, which is talked about so much now, but it is not new.

“As a rule, children do not even have a very high fever,” explains the head of pediatric services, pointing out, as pediatric societies say, that this increase in the number of cases compared to previous years may be related to the coronavirus pandemic. “Perhaps because of the mask we have a group of children who are now a little older and who at that time were protected and did not catch the infection when it was their turn, and now they are catching it,” the doctor points out. The reason for this higher incidence is that “the usual age-related cases were combined with cases of slightly older children who did not contract the disease at that time due to a mask problem.”

Despite the rise in cases, Marrero insists that “in general it is a disease that does not pose any danger,” which, yes, due to the ease of infection, leads to “small epidemics or large epidemics in schools.” As for its diagnosis, the pediatrician explains, it is very simple and is usually carried out in a clinic, and because of this, a childish appearance of a slap in the face. Also because in the environment of a minor there are usually more children with the same symptoms.

“It is a disease that is easily diagnosed due to vision, context, type of child, rash and small epidemics,” continues the doctor, speaking of a virus that has not been declared essential. and for what reason it cannot offer a number of infections.

Marrero also has an explanation for why this virus appears more often at this time of year rather than earlier. “Once the flu episodes have passed, in many cases that’s when the illness starts to show up,” says the expert, who insists on this message of peace of mind to families, whom he also reminds “when the rash appears.” they can rest easy because it’s no longer contagious.” And the incubation period of the disease, which poses a danger of infection and usually lasts from one to two weeks, occurs before the appearance of that very slap erythema. “It is very common in kindergartens and schools because it is very easily transmitted,” but once the first signs of redness appear on the face, “children no longer need to take isolation measures.”

Once diagnosed, “it is a condition that requires no specific treatment other than treating the fever when it occurs, or in case the rash may be a little itchy, which is not the most common, then you can use an antihistamine,” continues He. This is an expert who points out that hand-washing and covering coughs or sneezes rather than with your hand are basic measures to prevent infection, although he admits that if minors of this age follow these recommendations, it is difficult.”

AT-RISK GROUPS

“It often goes unnoticed, like a simple rash, maybe like a cold,” says the head of pediatric services at the Avila Care Complex, describing how the disease occurs in healthy children and in the general adult population. Of course, he acknowledges that megaloerythema, as a report from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns, can cause complications in two populations. Thus, parvovirus B19, which causes this disease, can be dangerous for children who are immunocompromised, are being treated for any type of cancer, or have any medical condition, and can cause “very important hemolytic anemias, hepatitis, or pneumonia.” – notes the pediatrician. “You have to be very careful here,” Marrero admits, pointing out that another risk group is pregnant women, especially if the virus is contracted in the first trimester, since it can sometimes cause serious problems in the fetus, as it can cause “a very significant anemia that leads to fetal heart failure.”

Due to the higher incidence and complications that the disease can cause in these two groups, the ECDC urges “health care providers to continue to monitor for B19V infection when assessing patients and counseling those at higher risk of developing serious complications.”