Slapped cheek virus cases surge in Ireland
Ireland saw a significant increase in cases of 'slapped cheek' virus last year, with numbers being almost a third higher than the previous peak in 2018, the infectious diseases watchdog has said.
Slapped cheek syndrome is a virus most common in children. It causes a bright red rash to appear on both cheeks.
The disease, which is highly infectious and caused by parvovirus B19, is generally mild but includes symptoms such as high temperature, runny nose, sore throat and headaches.
According to the
Health Protection Surveillance Centre
(HPSC), there were 656 cases of parvovirus B19 detected through DNA, nearly three times higher than the 241 cases detected during the most recent peak year in 2018.
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The total for 2024 was also markedly higher than the total number during the Covid-19 pandemic years, 2020-2023, when cases were in the range of 30-61 annually.
However, there was a decline in the number of detections between the third and fourth quarter of 2024 from 179 to 115.
In 2024, more than 45 per cent (310) of cases were in the 6-19 age group.
Ireland was one of a number of European countries that experienced a surge in cases last year.
The HPSC attributes this to the natural epidemic cycle of the disease probably combining with public health measures such as social distancing during Covid suppressing the virus's circulation and having an impact on population susceptibility, leading to its upsurge across Europe.
According to the
Health Service Executive
(HSE), people who contract the virus do not normally need to see a GP. It usually clears up within three weeks.
However, it recommends those with it should rest, drink plenty of fluids, take paracetamol or ibuprofen and use moisturisers on itchy skin.
Infection due to parvovirus B19 can affect all age groups but is more common in children than adults. Transmission is more likely after contact with an infectious person in a household setting than in an occupational or educational environment.
In rare cases, infection during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing foetus, although most pregnant women, especially women who work with children, are likely to have immunity.
Serious illness can also occur in people with chronic red blood cell disorders or whose immune system is significantly weakened.
According to the HSE, most people do not know they have the virus until they get the rash, at which point it is no longer infectious – making it difficult to stop the spread of the disease.
The HPSC described it as a 'seasonal' disease, with higher prevalence during late spring and early summer.
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