None of the eight women exposed to parvovirus at Queen’s Hospital recently has tested positive for the disease, the hospital has confirmed.

The Recorder reported earlier this month how the women had been in contact with a maternity consultant who hadn’t known she was carrying the illness – also known as “slapped cheek disease” – which carries a small risk of miscarriage and blood problems.

Chief executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust Averil Dongworth said: “Blood tests showed six of the women had had parvovirus in the past – meaning they are now immune.

“While the remaining two tested negative, we will be inviting them to have another blood test later this month to confirm they are not incubating the virus.

“Although we knew it was extremely unlikely any of the women would have contracted this very common virus, we followed national guidelines to ensure the very highest levels of patient care and clinical governance.”