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Epidemic of Parvovirus B19 infections in France. Update as of April 22, 2024.
Published on April 22, 2024
Updated on April 22, 2024
Key points
Epidemic of Parvovirus B19 infections in France. Update as of April 22, 2024.
Published on April 22, 2024
Updated on April 22, 2024
Key points
- An epidemic of Parvovirus B 19 infections affecting all age categories and in particular children began in May 2023. Its intensity increased in the last quarter of 2023 and it will continue its rise in 2024 with a peak which has not yet been reached in March.
- Some perinatal services indicate an increase in miscarriages and fetal deaths linked to Parvovirus B 19 infection. Laboratory data shows positive tests for Parvovirus B 19 in amniotic fluid samples. These two elements could not be quantified nationally.
- The number of cases of severe Parvovirus B 19 infections is believed to be increasing, as has been reported to Public Health France by certain emergency doctors and resuscitators. This data could not be quantified.
- Virological surveillance of Parvovirus B 19 infections has highlighted an increase in the number of diagnoses made in the three population groups considered: children under 15 years of age, women aged 20-40 years and other people aged 15 or more. more.
- Data on emergency room visits show a slight increase in hospitalizations after a visit for suspected Parvovirus B 19 infection, but the numbers remain very low.
- The number of deaths linked to Parvovirus B 19 infection was on average 1.8/year in the pre-pandemic period and mainly affected adults. Even if this number remains low and consistent with the low severity of the infection, it should be monitored because it has increased significantly since 2022 in connection with the more active circulation of the virus and more affects children, who constitute all of the 5 deaths already recorded for the year 2024 via electronic death certification. These 5 deaths occur in children aged less than one year, including 4 newborns following a congenital infection.