Virologists are currently monitoring the global outbreak of parvovirus B19 with great concern. Scientists at the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) are already warning of an epidemic.
Parvovirus B19 poses a potentially serious risk to the fetus in pregnant women and, like Covid-19 or influenza, is transmitted via the respiratory tract. The disease is harmless in itself and clears up within a few days, but can be dangerous to unborn babies.
Viruses can enter the placenta
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 loss of the fetus. In addition, parvovirus B19 can affect the cardiovascular system of the unborn child, increasing the risk of heart problems after birth.
Harmless course in children and adults
In adults and children, the pathogen causes symptoms such as moderate fever, headache, runny nose or rash on the arms, legs and torso. Children develop a characteristic redness of the cheeks on their face.
For David Baud, head of the maternity department at CHUV, it is therefore crucial to educate pregnant women about the virus. Aftercare can reduce the risks of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with someone who has parvovirus B19, she should immediately report this to her gynecologist. A simple blood test can be used to determine whether the patient is already protected.
Source: Krone
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