Experts from the University of Lausanne warn: the Parvovirus epidemic puts pregnant women at risk

Scientists at the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) warned on Friday about the parvovirus epidemic. Outbreaks are currently being monitored internationally. Parvovirus B19 poses a potentially serious risk to the fetus in pregnant women.

In adults and children, the virus 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. The disease is harmless and disappears within a few days.

The virus, like Covid-19 or the flu, is transmitted via the respiratory tract. “In pregnant women, however, this virus can pose a significant risk to the health of the fetus,” said David Baud, head of the maternity department of the CHUV in Lausanne, when asked by the Keystone-SDA news agency.

If a woman becomes infected with parvovirus B19 during pregnancy, the virus 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 fetus, increasing the risk of heart problems after birth.

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.

According to Baud, the current epidemic can be explained by the fact that the virus barely circulated during the Covid-19 pandemic and many young children were therefore not vaccinated. So there is now a rebound effect. Outbreaks have also been observed in other countries, especially France and Israel. (sda)