Luxembourg has an epidemic of a fifth disease
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The epidemic caused by parvovirus B19 has been spreading in Luxembourg for several weeks and has passed its peak, according to doctors. It is a disease that has cycles of 3-4 years and regularly returns to the Grand Duchy, but for unprepared parents, a child's rash can come as a shock.
The virus causes fever and intense itching. A rash appears on the child's arms, legs and face and can last up to 4-6 weeks. There is also a risk of more severe disease in immunocompromised patients.
This infection is most dangerous for pregnant women. The virus can cause anemia, miscarriage, and even intrauterine death of the fetus. To date, CHL has not reported mortality rates. However, as the fifth disease is not a notifiable disease, it is not possible to rule out all risks.
Serge Allard, president of the Luxembourg Pediatric Society, says that parents do not need to take any special protective measures because the infection itself does not pose a threat to the life and future health of the child.
