Human Parvovirus B19 Pregnancy-Related Complications in the Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Period: A National Electronic Health Records Study—United States 2018–2019 and 2024–2025
- Presentation Day/Time: Thursday, April 23, 9:45 AM
- Presenter: Christopher Luthers, PhD, EIS officer assigned to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division
The Issue
- Human parvovirus B19 activity increased following the COVID-19 pandemic. B19 infection during pregnancy can result in serious complications.
What We Did
- We described trends in B19 testing, infections, and fetal complications before and after the pandemic.
What We Found
- The number of pregnant women with B19 infection remained relatively similar during and after the pandemic, but B19-associated pregnancy complications increased significantly after the pandemic, suggesting increased B19 transmission.
What This Means
- Although complications remain rare, clinicians should remain vigilant and monitor pregnant women with B19 exposure and compatible symptoms.
