It’s called the fifth disease. But it is gradually becoming the number one problem for parents. Since the start of the year, at least five babies have died from parvovirus B19, also known as Erythema infectiosum. If the epidemic began in May 2023, Santé Publique France notes that its intensity increased during the last quarter of 2023 and that it has not yet reached its peak in March 2024.
A simple cold for most children
In detail, four newborns died from the disease only a few days after being born. An eight-month-old baby also died from the virus. He did not present any comorbidity or particular immunosuppression, notes the organization’s report. But what is parvovirus B19? What are the symptoms ? Europe 1 takes stock.
Along with measles, rubella, chickenpox and roseola, erythema infectiosum is the fifth most common viral infection in children. In babies and young children, it causes symptoms initially similar to those of a cold or flu (fever, stuffy nose, etc.), often accompanied by red cheeks. Rashes on the arms and legs may also occur. Adolescents and young adults are also affected by joint pain.
Miscarriage
The virus is transmitted by droplets released into the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or by contact with contaminated objects or hands. In general, the symptoms of fifth disease disappear after about ten days. It is nevertheless advisable to hydrate your child and to favor calm activities, accompanied by rest periods. But parvovirus B19 can be dangerous for immunocompromised people and for pregnant women. Because the virus, by infecting the mother, can also infect the fetus and cause, in the worst case, a miscarriage.
With these five deaths since the start of the year, the public health agency is closely monitoring the situation, while it reports that certain hospitals have reported an increase “in the number of cases of severe infections”. “Even if it remains low, the number of deaths remains to be monitored,” concludes Public Health France.