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The current respiratory virus parvovirus B19 — sometimes called fifth disease — is increasing in activity, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Tuesday.
Parvovirus B19 It is a common virus transmitted through respiratory droplets. Antibodies to infections are believed to help prevent reinfection, the CDC says; About half of American adults have these antibodies detectable by age 20, and more than 70% have them by age 40. People who have close contact with children, such as schools and daycare centers, are at high risk of infection.
As with many other respiratory diseases, efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the pandemic have significantly reduced parvovirus B19 infections. Lack of immunity.
The CDC has warned in the Health Alert Network Advice Tuesday saw reports of a recent spike in test positivity, as well as clusters of complications among people at risk of chronic illness. In the year The proportion of people with antibodies indicative of a recent infection reached 10% in June, which fell below 3% in 2022-24, with a sharp increase among children aged 5 to 9 years.
The CDC says it has received reports of higher-than-expected cases among pregnant women, complications such as severe fetal anemia or miscarriage, and an increase in aplastic anemia in people with sickle cell disease.
Most people who contract parvovirus B19 have no symptoms, but those who do typically notice two stages of the disease. During the first phase, which begins about a week after infection, symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and pains last for five days. At this time, people are very contagious.
A week or so later in the second stage of the disease, children often experience a facial rash, often called a slapped cheek rash, followed by a body rash or joint pain. Adults often have a rash on the trunk and joint pain.
Parvovirus can cause serious problems in certain groups. People with conditions such as sickle cell disease or a severely weakened immune system can develop aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. In pregnant women, 5% to 10% of cases may cause adverse effects such as anemia, hydrops or miscarriage.
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There is no vaccine for parvovirus and no specific treatment except to relieve symptoms. Most infections go away on their own.
As cases continue to increase, the CDC advises everyone to follow suit. General precautions To prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, such as washing hands regularly, keeping common areas clean, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. If you Develop symptomsStay away from other people until you are better and you have been fever free for at least 24 hours without medication.
If you're pregnant, have a compromised immune system or have a chronic hemolytic disorder, the agency says you'll want to cover up with other people and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop.