Outbreaks are currently being monitored internationally. Parvovirus B19 poses a potentially serious risk to the fetus in pregnant women. Like Covid-19 or the flu, it is transmitted via the respiratory tract. The disease is harmless in itself and goes away within a few days, but can be dangerous for unborn babies. In adults and children, the pathogen causes symptoms such as moderate fever, headache, runny nose or a rash on the arms, legs and trunk. Children develop a characteristic reddening of the cheeks on their face.
“Significant risk for pregnant women”
“However, in pregnant women, this virus can pose a significant risk to the health of the fetus,” said David Baud, head of the maternity ward at the CHUV in Lausanne. If a woman becomes infected with parvovirus B19 during pregnancy, it can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. The most feared complication is “fetal anemia,” which can lead to serious complications and even fetal loss. In addition, parvovirus B19 can affect the unborn child’s cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart problems after birth.
Blood test provides information about immunity
It is therefore crucial to educate pregnant women about the virus. Follow-up care could reduce the risks to pregnancy. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with a person who has parvovirus B19, she should inform her gynecologist immediately. A simple blood test can be used to determine whether the patient is already protected.
According to Baud, the current epidemic may be explained by the fact that the virus barely circulated during the Covid-19 pandemic and many young children were therefore not immunized. It is therefore now a rebound effect. Outbreaks have also been observed in countries other than Switzerland, particularly in France and Israel.
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