Parvovirus B19 Outbreak in Israel: Retrospective Molecular Analysis from 2010 to 2023

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the epidemiological trends of parvovirus B19 (B19V) in Israel from 2010 to 2023, with particular emphasis on the outbreak in 2023. The analysis utilized molecular diagnostic data from individual patients obtained at the Central Virology Laboratory. Between 2010 and 2022, 8.5% of PCR-tested samples were positive for B19V, whereas in 2023, this percentage surged to 31% of PCR-tested samples. Throughout the study period, annual cycles consistently peaked in early spring/summer, with the most recent prominent outbreak occurring in 2016. Predominantly, diagnoses were made in children and women aged 20–39. Despite the notable surge in 2023, over 80% of positive cases continued to be observed in children and young women, with a decrease in cases during winter months. Furthermore, genotype 1a of the virus remained the predominant strain circulating during the outbreak. In light of these circumstances, consideration should be given to implementing screening measures, particularly among high-risk groups such as pregnant women.

An unusual outbreak of parvovirus B19 infections, France, 2023 to 2024

“…Other countries have also described a change in their B19V epidemiology. In particular, Israel experienced the largest and longest outbreak of B19V reported to date [ 10 ]. The epidemic is also observed in several European countries such as Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway, as recently reported by the European Centre for Communicable Diseases Surveillance [ 11 ].…”