A major health warning has been issued over a spike in cases of slapped cheek syndrome - a viral infection common in children that can cause serious complications for unborn babies. 

Oxford University Hospitals Trust said there has been an increase in cases of infection by the parvovirus in Oxfordshire and across Europe.

Groups at increased risk for complications should seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms. 

In children, the virus can cause a relatively harmless infection with symptoms including a high temperature, a runny nose and sore throat, a headache and a red rash which should clear up within three weeks.

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It can be passed on to adults who might also experience joint pain and stiffness which can continue for many weeks.

To ease the symptoms experts say you should rest, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if uncomfortable.

But parvovirus can cause anaemia for unborn babies, which can be fatal for the baby and as the mother may have no symptoms, it is possible this could go undetected.

Pregnant women who have been exposed to parvovirus should contact their GP to discuss a blood test.

As a general precaution they should also avoid facial contact with people who have the virus, wash hands often with water and soap and 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.

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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.

OUH is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in England.

On October 1, 2015 the Trust was awarded Foundation Trust status and became Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

It is governed by a board of directors. Day-to-day running of the hospitals and their clinical and non-clinical services is delegated to executive directors and senior clinicians and managers.