Complications of Slapped cheek syndrome

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Medical advice should be sought if infection by the virus is suspected during pregnancy. A blood test for antibodies to parvovirus B19 will be done. This tests for current or previous infection. If you test positive for parvovirus in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, you can be monitored with ultrasound examinations. A blood transfusion directly into your baby may improve the chances of your baby's survival, if foetal hydrops is diagnosed. However most pregnant women with parvovirus infection have normal, healthy babies and most pregnant women are not at risk for parvovirus infection because of immunity. There is no evidence to suggest that reinfection or reactivation of the virus is a risk to the foetus, nor any increased risk of abnormality occurring in newborns or later in life.

In those with sickle-cell anaemia or other abnormalities of the haemoglobin parvovirus B19 can cause an acute, severe anaemia and they may need to be admitted to hospital and to receive blood transfusions. Once the infection is controlled, the anaemia resolves.

Those with weakened immune systems (immunodeficiency) may also need to be admitted to hospital for treatment as they may develop a severe chronic anaemia due to parvovirus B19 infection.

Arthritis can arise from infection from parvovirus B19, affecting the small joints of the hands and feet, with the symptoms can mimicking those of rheumatoid arthritis. This is more common in adults and may occasionally persist for months although symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks. The arthritis does not cause permanent damage to bones or joints.

Occasionally it has been noted that post viral fatigue syndrome develops after contracting Parvovirus B19.