Rising cases in Spain due to slap virus

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has warned of an increase in cases of this infectious disease in fourteen EU countries, including Spain.

Produced by the parvovirus B19 virus, in most cases “it has a harmless clinical picture, which is characterized by redness of both cheeks, spots on the skin, and low-grade fever,” explains the pediatrician.

He European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC, English acronym) warned in a statement increase in parvovirus infection (B19)also known as the “slap virus” in fourteen countries of the European Union including Spain. In particular, according to the National Microbiology Center, which depends on the Carlos III Institute of Health, higher rate positive in 2023 and in the first months of this year compared to years before the pandemic.

Also called megaloerythema or erythema infectiosum, “this an infectious disease caused by the parvovirus B19 virus which in general and in most cases “has harmless clinical picture explains Dr. Iván Carabagno Aguado, professor of pediatrics at the Complutense University of Madrid.

These are his symptoms

The first symptoms, according to Dr. Carabagno, are characterized by “ redness of both cheeks, spots on the skin, low-grade fever or fever.

Over time, may spread to arms, torso, thighs, and buttocks, where the rash takes on a pink, net-like, and slightly raised appearance, the Mayo Clinic explained. The rash may be itchy, especially on the soles of the feet.

Likewise, the Spanish Association of Pediatricians states that “it is usually the case that the rash disappears within a weekbut the rash may return within a few weeks due to certain factors such as light, sun or heat.

Who is affected and how is it transmitted?

This disease is especially often occurs in children of preschool and school ageespecially during the winter and spring months, but can affect people of any age.

transmission of infection parvovirus B19 is produced from person to person, i.e. through respiratory secretions such as saliva or cough, especially when the child is in the incubation phase of the virus. Although the virus is highly contagious at this stage, once the redness has fully developed, the risk of infection is greatly reduced. In this regard, experts insist on Hand washing is one of the most effective preventive measures.

Care

Because it is a mild disease, it generally requires no treatment other than symptom control. In this sense, Dr. Ivan Carabagno adds that “it is very simple and consists of having good water to the patient analgesics to reduce fever and relative rest.

Possible complications

Parvovirus B19 infection may potentially be more serious in those children with chronic anemia, as this may worsen it,” warns Dr. Carabagno. In addition, the expert reminds that “it can also be potentially serious if a pregnant woman contracts an infection, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.”