CDC officials have advised health care providers and the public to remain vigilant for the highly contagious respiratory virus, parvovirus B19, as cases appear to be increasing in the United States. So what do you need to know about it?
What is parvovirus B19?
Parvovirus B19 is a small, seasonal virus that only infects humans (it’s another type of parvovirus that can infect your dogs) and is best known for causing “fifth disease” or “slapped cheek” syndrome. It’s considered a highly transmissible virus, meaning it spreads very easily, through respiratory droplets like those released by coughing and sneezing.
Infection with the virus is also common: about half of adults have antibodies to it by age 20, and 70% by age 40. However, people who work in environments with children tend to have a higher risk of being infected.
Although the CDC does not conduct routine surveillance for parvovirus B19, the agency issued an advisory following reports from commercial labs and clinicians that infections in the United States are currently on the rise, particularly among children ages 5 to 9. They are also seeing more cases than usual among pregnant women.
What are the symptoms of parvovirus?
Although common, a person infected with parvovirus B19 may not know they have it; in many cases, people will be asymptomatic.
When symptoms do occur, they may include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, rash, and joint pain. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to appear about 7 days after infection.
However, symptoms can also present very differently in children and adults; a “slapped cheek” rash, for example, is more common in children, while swelling and pain in the joints are more common in adults.
In some cases, more serious complications can occur in the nervous system, joints, or blood. People at greatest risk of developing these complications are those who have no pre-existing immunity and are immunocompromised (such as people who have had an organ transplant or who have HIV), who have leukemia or another type of cancer, or who have certain blood disorders.
Although rare, it is also possible for parvovirus B19 from a pregnant person to be passed to the fetus, which may carry a small risk of adverse effects such as fetal anemia and miscarriage.
Can parvovirus be prevented or treated?
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus itself. In most people, the infection clears up on its own. Treatment instead involves relieving symptoms, such as taking paracetamol to relieve fever, aches and pains, and drinking plenty of fluids.
When it comes to prevention, the CDC recommends taking the usual approach to avoiding respiratory illness: covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze; washing your hands properly and frequently; and cleaning high-touch surfaces.
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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
