It is an infection very few people seem to have heard of and yet it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and symptoms even months later – and it’s on the rise in this area.

Slapped cheek syndrome is rife in at least one primary school in the Packet circulation area, with almost the entirety of one class struck down in the last two weeks and many children in other years also experiencing symptoms.

The viral infection is characterised by a red, blotchy raised rash on a person’s cheeks, which can spread to other parts of the body and be itchy in some cases.

This rash can look alarming, but in fact by the time it has developed a person is no longer contagious, much like with chicken pox. It will normally fade within a week or two, although occasionally it can come and go for a few weeks afterwards if triggered by exercise, heat, anxiety or stress.

A person is at most risk of spreading the infection in the days leading up to the rash appearing. What makes it hard to contain is that during this time people will experience symptoms that are the same as a common cold: a slightly high temperature (fever) of around 38C (100.4F), a runny nose, sore throat, headache, possibly upset stomach and generally feeling unwell.

In adults these symptoms can be accompanied by joint pain and stiffness, which may continue for several weeks or even months after the other symptoms have passed.

Symptoms are generally mild and can be treated at home, without the need to see a GP, by resting and drinking plenty of fluids, taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for headaches and joint pain, and using antihistamines or moisturising lotion to help with the itching – although some antihistamines are not suitable for young children.

However, there are important exceptions to remember, particularly if you are pregnant, have a blood disorder or experience symptoms of severe anaemia such as very pale skin, severe shortness of breath, extreme tiredness or fainting.

Becoming infected during pregnancy – in particularly early pregnancy - carries a risk of causing miscarriage, stillbirth or other complications.

While the NHS describes this risk as “small” and around 60 per cent of adults will already be immune, if you get slapped cheek syndrome during your first 20 weeks of pregnancy there is an increased risk of miscarriage and if a blood test proves positive for the virus you should be offered increased ultrasound scans throughout your pregnancy to monitor the baby.

If you become infected during weeks nine to 20 of your pregnancy, there is also a small risk that the baby will develop foetal hydrops - a serious condition, where a build-up of fluid develops in the baby’s body, causing complications such as heart failure and anaemia. Some babies can recover from foetal hydrops; however, the condition can be fatal, and in serious cases a baby may need a blood transfusion while still in the womb.

Similarly, anyone with a blood disorder, such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia, or a weakened immune system, needs to be more careful as the infection can cause severe anaemia that may need to be treated in hospital.

In these cases, a person should contact their GP, call NHS 111 or contact their local out-of-hours service if they have been exposed to anyone with slapped cheek or have symptoms of the infection.

There is currently no vaccine available to protect against the condition although regular hand washing may help to prevent it spreading.

*Information taken from NHS Choices