Circulating parvovirus epidemic puts pregnant women at risk – rts.ch

Parvovirus B19, often associated with “fifth disease” or erythema infectiosum, is often harmful in both adults and children. Later, it causes symptoms like moderate fever, headache, chills, or a rash on the hands, feet, and trunk.

On the face, children develop characteristic redness of the cheeks. The disease, which is benign, resolves spontaneously within a few days. Epidemics, which occur in the spring, are usually localized. Viruses like covid-19, RSV and flu are spread through the respiratory tract.

“In pregnant women, however, this virus can represent a significant risk to the health of the fetus,” said David Baud, head of obstetrics at the CHUV in Lausanne.

Risk to the fetus

When a woman contracts parvovirus B19 during pregnancy, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. The most dangerous complication is fetal anemia, which can lead to serious complications or even loss of the fetus.

In addition, parvovirus B19 can affect the fetal cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart problems after birth. “We had to transfuse four embryos as early as January 2024, which is already the whole year of 2023,” explains Professor Baud.

blood test

“Some mothers are now being monitored for being in contact with infected babies,” adds the expert. In fact, monitoring helps reduce the risks for pregnancy. So it is important to create awareness among pregnant women about this virus.

“We sent the information to all French-speaking gynecologists,” adds the professor from Lausanne. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with a person infected with Parvovirus B19, it is important that she inform her gynecologist immediately. A simple blood test allows you to know if the patient is already protected, and therefore without risk.

If a blood test shows a recent infection in a pregnant woman, weekly ultrasounds for three months can detect anemia in the fetus and treat it with transfusions if necessary.

Internationally

The current epidemic can probably be explained by the fact that the virus circulated little during Covid and, according to David Baud, many young children were not vaccinated. So it will now be a rebound effect.

Outbreaks have also occurred in other countries, notably France and Israel. “All countries in Europe seem concerned,” Professor Baud concludes.

ATS/Fri