Increases in ‘slapped cheek’ infections – important information for pregnant women

There has been an increase in cases of parvovirus infection across Europe including locally here in Oxfordshire.

In children, this virus can cause a relatively harmless infection commonly know as ‘slapped cheek’.  It can then be passed to adults, especially parents of young children and people who work with children.

Symptoms of parvovirus

Symptoms may include:

• A high temperature
• A runny nose and sore throat
• A headache
• A red rash.

The rash usually fades within 1 to 3 weeks, but it can sometimes last for longer, especially if you're hot or stressed.

Adults might also have joint pain and stiffness. This can happen in children too, but it's rare. Joint pain can continue for many weeks, even after the other symptoms have gone.

Risks to pregnant women and unborn babies

Parvovirus can have serious implications for pregnant women. It can cause anaemia for unborn babies, which can be fatal for the baby. As the mother may not have symptoms, it is possible that the baby’s anaemia could go undetected.

Pregnant women who have been exposed to parvovirus should contact their GP to discuss a blood test.  As a general precaution, pregnant women should:

• Avoid facial contact with people who have the virus
• Wash their hands often with water and soap
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels.

If a pregnant woman tests positive for parvovirus, the baby’s health can be monitored and, if necessary, treated with an intrauterine fetal transfusion.

Christos Ioannou, Consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine at OUH, said: "In many cases, parvovirus is quite minor and will go away on its own. However, due to the risk to unborn babies and the increase in cases across the continent, we want people to be aware of what to do to manage it.

"Pregnant women who think they have been exposed to parvovirus should contact their GP or maternity care team in the first instance.  They can then take steps to get tested and, if necessary, put a treatment plan in place."

Other people who should contact their GP if exposed to parvovirus include

• People with blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia
• People with weakened immune systems, for example because of chemotherapy, leukaemia, HIV, or diabetes.

Treatment for parvovirus

If you do not have any of the conditions above, or are not pregnant, you do not usually need to see a GP for slapped cheek syndrome

There are some things you can do to ease the symptoms:

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if uncomfortable.

More information about parvovirus is on the NHS website:

Slapped cheek syndrome - NHS (www.nhs.uk)