A large proportion of the study group (61%), mainly below 7 years of age, is susceptible to varicella. The positive predictive value of a history of varicella is 87.8%, whereas the negative predictive value of a negative history is 11.4%, which means that there is an 88.6% probability of a negative history being correct. Varicella serology may be reasonable prior to vaccination in children >10 years old with a negative chickenpox history. However, if one excludes cost considerations, it is also reasonable to vaccinate all children, irrespective of serostatus.

We present a case of congenital parvovirus B19 infection in a term neonate manifested with isolated massive hydrothorax and mild anemia. Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in maternal and neonatal blood as well as in pleural fluid despite lack of suggestive serology.