Parvo B19 (Erythema infectiosum or fifth disease)

Parvovirus B19 causes erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease. Usually asymptomatic.

In adults: joint pain and inflammation, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees.

Parvovirus B19 can be transmitted from person to person and is essentially airborne, via droplets. The virus is found in the throat of infected individuals (mostly children) and can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and talking. During the winter and spring, parvovirus circulates among the population, spreading mainly through families and schools with young children.

1 week before rash/symptoms begin until the onset of symptoms.

4-21 days.

No vaccine is available.

Approximately 50%-75% of fertile women have antibodies. Antibodies protect against reinfection.

Pregnant women are particularly at risk. Pregnant women themselves do not have an increased risk of a more severe course of the disease. Infection of pregnant women leads to vertical transmission to the fetus in approximately 25% of cases.

The risk of fetal complications is particularly high during the first or second trimester. Congenital infection: 50% asymptomatic. Miscarriage or hydrops fetalis.

Employees who come into contact with children with parvo-19, for example during outbreaks.

• Non-immune pregnant women.
• People with underlying chronic (hematological) conditions.
• People with weakened immune systems.

Patients are contagious one week before they develop symptoms. If the patient tests positive, see protective measures.

First and second trimesters of pregnancy: do not work in the physical vicinity of the source of infection. Good hand and cough hygiene to prevent spread.

Contact the occupational health and safety service or midwife for antibody testing and, if necessary, referral to a gynecologist.

• Parvovirus B19 infection | LCI guideline RIVM
• Parvo | BAH card KIZA