Parvovirus B19 in children and pregnant women

There has been a significant increase in the circulation of parvovirus B19 in Europe. France has already noticed this since July 2023, presenting alarming data: in addition to recording an “unusually high” number of serious pediatric cases and spontaneous abortions associated with this infection, five infants under one year of age died in the first three months of 2024, four of them caused by congenital infection (transmitted by the mother before birth).

In SpainFor its part, although not necessarily an infection, the National Center for Microbiology (Carlos III Health Institute) observed “a higher positivity rate in 2023 and the first months of 2024 compared to the years before the pandemic.” This is stated in the latest report on this issue from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

In March, several autonomous communities (Euskadi, La Rioja…) recognized that there was a resurgence of these infections. And now it is Navarre who warns about the circulation of human parvovirus, which “causes outbreaks in schools and children’s groups“, so he recommends that “boys and girls with symptoms should not attend classes or other activities.” Because? Is this virus really that dangerous?

What is parvovirus B19

Human parvovirus B19 (Erythrovirus B19) is a very small virus belonging to the family Parvovirusides. It is highly contagious, anyone can become infected with it, although it mainly affects children (preschool or school age), adolescents and young adults. Unlike canine parvovirus, it circulates especially in late winter and spring.

How it spreads

Human parvovirus B19 is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets. drops of saliva which are released when talking, coughing or sneezing, and therefore contact hand-mouth Except, Pregnant women can pass it on to their children.

An infected person is contagious during the incubation period (between 4-28 days) and especially five days before the onset of the most significant symptom; once it appears, it no longer transmits parvovirus.

In addition, this virus can be transmitted blood transfusion blood and hematological products. There were also cases through tattoos.

What causes parvovirus in humans

Parvovirus B19 is the cause of a very common childhood disease known by many names. In medical jargon this is called megaloerythema, erythema infectiosum And Fifth diseaseas historically it was the fifth most common childhood rash illness (after measles, scarlet fever, rubella and staph infections).

But people call it slap disease, because the most typical sign of this condition is severe erythema on the cheeks, as if the victim had been hit in the face with a cake. In fact, human parvovirus B19 is also known as slap face virus, slap face virus, or slap face virus.

Signs and symptoms of a slap

This disease is usually not serious, and once a child passes it on, he or she will not become infected again, even as an adult (he or she becomes immune). Additionally, about 25% of those infected have no symptoms.

🔴​ How the slap virus is born

Start with nonspecific symptomsTherefore, it is difficult to immediately identify it:

🔴 How can I tell if my child has human parvovirus?

After a few days, a rash typical of the disease appears on both cheeks, and the child ceases to be contagious: within two to three days thedouble slappaints her dad bright red.

He exanthema Later it also appears dimmer in trunk and extends to arms, thighs and buttocks. Sometimes in older children and adults it itches. And sometimes its appearance is confused with other skin manifestations, so consultation with a pediatrician at this point is necessary.

The second rash lasts about seven days, but in subsequent weeks the rash may come and go or get worse depending on changes in temperature, sun exposure, stress and exercise.

Adolescents and adults, especially women, may experience joint pain (arthrialgia), as this disease can also cause inflammation of the wrists, knees and ankles (arthritis).

Slap’s disease: diagnosis and treatment

Because the skin rash is so common, no further testing is usually needed to diagnose the condition, although antibody testing may be done in special situations.

In general, megaloerythema is a disease soft and good-natured it does not require treatment. Children recover from it quickly and without complications. Only take a child’s pain reliever (ibuprofen or paracetamol) if you have a fever, pain, or discomfort.

But can I take my child to school or kindergarten if he has parvovirus? Once the rash appears, the boy or girl is not contagious, so if they feel well, they can go to school without any problems, as recommended by the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatricians (AEPap).

Complications in pregnant and chronically ill patients

Despite this, The disease may be complicated in immunocompromised patients, with underlying hematological problems, or in pregnant women.. In fact, these are the people the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is focusing on because of the risks that parvovirus infection poses to them:

➡️ Pregnant women less than 20 weeks pregnant.

In 5-9% of pregnancies with parvovirus infection, it may cause stillbirth and spontaneous abortion in the first weeks. There are cases of congenital malformations, but the evidence is insufficient. Given that 30 to 40% of women may become infected, the risk is low to moderate.

➡️ People with weakened immune systems and those who have undergone transplantation

Infection may cause anemia chronic, pancytopenia (red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood in smaller quantities than usual), graft loss or dysfunction and specific organ complications (myocarditis, hepatitis…). The risk is moderate.

➡️People with chronic hematological diseases

For people with sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, hemolytic anemia, etc., human parvovirus can cause transient aplastic anemia (the spinal cord does not produce enough new cells), which can be fatal if not diagnosed early. The risk here is also moderate.

How to prevent a slap

No vaccine against parvovirus. It’s also very difficult to prevent, since it is during the incubation period and with very nonspecific symptoms – or even without symptoms – that it is most contagious. So, experts recommend:

• Extreme hygiene, especially hand washing Often with soap and water or hydroalcoholic gel.
• Don’t share fooddrinks, dishes or cutlery.
• Avoid contact with sick people or in environments where they may be present: Pregnant women who are at higher risk of infection are those with young children, as well as daycare workers and teachers.