A respiratory disease known as parvovirus b19 The disease is increasing in the United States among all age groups, according to a recent advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC issued the health alert on Aug. 13 after European public health authorities reported “unusually” high numbers of cases in 14 countries during the first quarter of 2024, according to the advisory.
The virus typically causes a blotchy rash on the cheeks that looks as if someone slapped them, hence its nickname, “slapped cheek disease.”
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What is parvovirus B19?
Parvovirus B19 is a virus that can be easily transmitted by respiratory droplets into the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the CDC.
A respiratory illness known as parvovirus B19 is on the rise in the U.S. among all age groups, according to a recent advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (iStock)
Children often become infected at school and Infecting other children Through close personal contact, and then with adults when they return home, experts say.
About 50% of previously uninfected people contract the virus from an infected family member, while 20% to 50% of susceptible students and staff become infected during school outbreaks, the advisory states.
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Parvovirus B12 is also known as “fifth disease” because it was previously listed fifth on a list of common childhood illnesses. viral diseases that cause rashes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
(The first three on this list are measles, rubella, and scarlet fever.)
Symptoms of the virus
Many people who become infected have no symptoms, but some will experience illness, the advisory said.
About a week after an exposure, susceptible children may complain of flu-like symptomsincluding fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, which usually last less than a week.
People are most contagious in this early phase of the disease.
The virus typically causes a blotchy rash on the cheeks that looks as if someone slapped them, hence the nickname “slapped cheek disease.” (iStock)
Several days after the fever begins, children often develop the characteristic spotted fever. Rash on cheek — a useful clue that health care providers use to diagnose the disease.
Experts say people are usually no longer contagious by the time they develop the rash.
According to the CDC, a thin, lace-like rash may appear on the chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs that is sometimes itchy. It usually goes away within a week to 10 days.
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Adults are less likely to develop the “slapped cheek” rash. Its most common symptoms are a widespread rash on the body and Joint pain affecting the hands, feet, and knees.
In some cases, adults only experience joint pain, which usually lasts between one and three weeks, although it can last for months. It usually resolves without long-term complications.
Antibodies provide immunity
Antibodies from a previous infection help prevent a recurrence of parvovirus B12, the CDC said.
“Once you're infected, you have lifelong immunity,” Siegel said.
The largest increase in infections was recorded among children aged 5 to 9 years.
Most adults in the United States are immune: 50% have detectable antibody levels by age 20 and more than 70% acquire them by age 40, according to the advisory.
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The proportion of people who have had a Recent infection fell below 3% between 2022 and 2024, but rose to 10% in June this year.
The largest increase in infections was recorded among children aged 5 to 9, rising from 15% to 40% in that period, the health alert said.
People who work in settings with close contact with children, such as schools and daycare centers, are at higher risk of infection.
High-risk populations
Most healthy adults and children only have mild illness, but people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and those with chronic blood disorders can develop serious health complications from this virus, according to the CDC.
“Anyone with these conditions should be treated quickly. seek medical attention to help address potential complications,” Glatt said.
Pregnant women who are susceptible to the virus could pass the disease to their babies, the CDC warned. (iStock)
Pregnant women who are susceptible to the virus could pass the disease to their babies, the CDC warned.
“Unfortunately, there is an increased risk of miscarriage if you get parvovirus during pregnancy,” Glatt said.
Parvovirus infection can cause adverse outcomes (such as severe anemia in the fetus and miscarriage) in 5% to 10% of cases during pregnancy, with the highest risk occurring between 9 and 20 weeks of fetal gestation, according to the advisory.
Although parvovirus B19 can affect humans of all ages, only two in 10 people will have physical symptoms. (iStock)
“There is an increased risk of complications in patients with significant immunosuppressive conditions, such as those who have leukemia, have received a organ transplant or have an HIV infection,” Glatt added.
However, because most adults are immune to the virus, many pregnant women are protected, the CDC noted.
Treatment consists mainly of “supportive care.”
Infected pregnant women They will receive primarily supportive care, which means treating underlying symptoms and monitoring for severe fetal anemia, the notice said.
People with weakened immune systems or chronic blood disorders can sometimes develop bone marrow failure as a result of the virus, the advisory added.
In that case, treatment often includes blood cell transfusions and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
Experts say people are usually no longer contagious by the time they develop the rash. (iStock)
(IVIG is a collection of antibodies that strengthen the immune system(according to the Mayo Clinic website).
There is currently no vaccine to prevent parvovirus B19, and most people infected with the virus will recover without long-term complications.
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“While there is no specific treatment for parvovirus infection, recognizing complications and addressing them early can be beneficial,” Glatt added.
Handwashing can also help prevent transmission, according to Siegel.
