In Denmark, we are currently experiencing an increase in cases of ‘lussingesyge’ (slapped cheek disease), a childhood illness caused by parvovirus B19. The Health Authority has reported on this rise and stresses the importance of awareness, especially among pregnant women. ‘Lussingesyge’, also known as the fifth childhood disease, is characterized by mild fever and a rash, particularly redness on the cheeks and a rash on the arms and legs that resembles a mild case of influenza. Chief Physician Gideon Ertner from the Health Authority explains that the disease often appears in epidemics with several years in between in Denmark, but the last major epidemic was back in 2017. This could mean that fewer people are immune this year, potentially leading to more cases than usual.
It is particularly important for pregnant women to be vigilant, as the virus can affect the fetus up to the 20th week of pregnancy and, in the worst case scenario, lead to anemia in the child or spontaneous abortion. The Health Authority recommends that pregnant women who suspect they may be infected should contact their doctor for a blood test to determine if they have recently had the virus or if it was present some time ago. Despite ‘lussingesyge’ being contagious until the rash appears, it is not necessary to keep children with a rash at home from school or daycare, as long as they feel well. This is because the disease is difficult to prevent, and the infection is no longer active once the rash is visible.
The Health Authority continues to monitor the situation and updates their recommendations based on the development of infection cases. It is important for everyone, especially parents and pregnant women, to stay informed of these updates to protect themselves and their loved ones from ‘lussingesyge’.