In Andalusia, 1,344 cases of slapped cheek virus infection were registered from January to May.

The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs found the rise of the so-called slap virus among children. This a mild but highly contagious disease, which causes redness of the cheeks. It is transmitted through droplets of saliva produced when talking, coughing or sneezing.

In Andalusia, from January to May 2024, a total of 1344 cases erythema infectiosum or megaloerythema, also known as the slapped cheek virus, 253.6% more than in the same period in 2023., when there were 380 cases of a “significant” increase in the contagious disease caused by parvovirus B19, which is mild. Most cases increased in the province of Jaen from 14 last year to 150.

They launched it from healthcare message of calmreminding us that this virus is cyclical and that, in addition, it heals itself. Of course, they warn that the latest new infections may still manifest themselves. It mainly affects children, although adults can also be infected.

According to pediatrician Maria Angustias de Haro, At first, this may be confused with hives or allergies.. But an almost unambiguous sign – a reddish rash on the cheeks – is a clear symptom of a disease that primarily affects young children, spreads through saliva, is benign, heals independently and consists of two phases.

The first asymptomatic period is contagious, then a rash appears., which starts in the cheeks and can spread throughout the body. During these first weeks of summer, cases may resume. The skin lesions usually disappear within a week, although the rash may worsen over several weeks due to factors such as exposure to sunlight, heat, or physical activity.

Treatment with paracetamol or ibuprofen is recommended only if symptoms such as feeling unwell, low-grade fever or joint pain occur. The only way to avoid infection, as with other viruses, is to follow strict hygiene rules..