Human parvovirus B19, also called “slapped cheek illness,” is on the rise in america, particularly amongst younger kids. The extremely contagious respiratory an infection is normally gentle in wholesome individuals however may cause issues in sure people.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention issued a well being advisory warning about a rise in parvovirus B19 exercise, with the best surge in instances of the virus amongst kids ages 5 to 9.

The proportion of individuals of all ages within the U.S. with antibodies for parvovirus B19, an indication of current an infection, rose from lower than 3% throughout 2022–2024 to 10% in June 2024, the CDC stated. Amongst kids ages 5 to 9, it elevated from 15% to 40%.

Moreover, the CDC stated it has acquired elevated experiences of clusters of parvovirus B19-associated issues amongst pregnant individuals and folks with sickle cell illness.

The advisory comes after public well being authorities in Europe reported unusually excessive numbers of parvovirus B19 instances in 14 international locations throughout the first quarter of 2024, the company stated.

What’s parvovirus B19, what are the signs to be careful for and the way does it unfold? Here is what to know concerning the frequent viral illness.

What’s human parvovirus B19?

Human parvovirus B19 is a standard and extremely contagious seasonal respiratory an infection, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious illnesses at Vanderbilt College Medical Middle, tells TODAY.com. Infections are most typical within the late spring and summer season.

The an infection is usually referred to as “slapped cheek” illness as a result of attribute facial rash it may well trigger, however it might even be known as “fifth illness.” It’s because it was fifth on a numbered record of viral childhood diseases that trigger rashes, which clinicians developed within the Nineties, NBC Information beforehand reported.

“It is quite common in kids, and that is usually the place all of us purchase the an infection for the primary time,” says Schaffner. In most individuals, parvovirus B19 an infection is gentle or asymptomatic.

Many adults within the U.S. are resistant to parvovirus, doubtless because of a earlier unnoticed an infection throughout childhood, per the Mayo Clinic. About 50% of adults may have parvovirus B19 antibodies by the age of 20 and about 70% may have antibodies by age 40, the CDC says.

The virus may cause extra extreme illness in adults with out current immunity, particularly ladies, says Schaffner, and critical issues in sure people. These embrace pregnant individuals, people who find themselves immunocompromised and folks with sure blood problems, in response to the CDC.

How does human parvovirus unfold?

Human parvovirus B19 is very transmissible and spreads readily from individual to individual by respiratory droplets, says Schaffner.

These droplets are produced when an contaminated individual coughs or sneezes, per the CDC. It’s sometimes transmitted by shut private contact, Schaffner provides.

“Youngsters sometimes unfold it amongst themselves they usually’re those who carry it residence (from college) and infect adults,” says Schaffner.

Much less generally, parvovirus may also be transmitted throughout being pregnant from mom to fetus, or by blood transfusions, per the CDC.

What are the signs of human parvovirus?

Parvovirus B19 an infection sometimes doesn’t trigger signs, says Schaffer. When signs do happen, they’re usually gentle and flu-like or nonspecific. These embrace:

• Fever
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nostril
• Rash
• Joint ache

Slapped cheek rash

These flu-like signs sometimes final about 5 days, per the CDC, throughout which an individual is most infectious. Later within the sickness, a really distinctive brilliant crimson rash can seem on each cheeks of the face, says Schaffner

The “slapped cheek” rash is most typical in kids. The rash may additionally unfold to the chest, again, torso, legs and arms and develop into itchy, per the CDC.

The rash attributable to parvovirus B19 sometimes clears up inside seven to 10 days, however it may well final or come and go for a number of weeks earlier than finally going away, says Schaffner. Throughout this time, the rash might develop into extra distinguished after a toddler workouts, after they’re uncovered to sizzling temperatures or solar, or after crying, he provides.

Joint points

Adults contaminated with parvovirus B19 are much less prone to develop a face rash and will expertise different extreme signs. These embrace joint ache and swelling of the palms, wrists, knees or ankles, says Schaffner. These might appear to be rheumatoid arthritis, he provides.

These joint signs can final anyplace from just a few weeks to some months, per the CDC. “It usually goes away and there’s no lasting harm to the joints, however for a interval of weeks, it may be a really disagreeable and troublesome sickness,” says Schaffner.

Parvovirus B19 issues

Most individuals get well from parvovirus B19 utterly. Nevertheless, it’s extra prone to trigger issues in people who find themselves pregnant, immunocompromised or have underlying blood problems, and have by no means been uncovered to the virus, in response to the CDC.

Publicity to parvovirus B19 sometimes doesn’t impression a being pregnant, however in some instances, the an infection can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, says Schaffner. This could result in hostile results corresponding to fetal anemia or a miscarriage, he provides.

Averse fetal outcomes happen in about 5% of pregnant ladies, and the danger is highest if the an infection happens between 9 to twenty weeks of gestation, per the CDC. “The danger to a pregnant individual and the infant they’re carrying is probably the most critical by far,” says Schaffner.

In individuals who have weakened immune techniques and sure blood problems, parvovirus B19 an infection may cause power anemia or a extreme drop in blood depend, per the CDC. These embrace most cancers sufferers, individuals with HIV, organ transplant recipients and folks with sickle cell illness.

Parvovirus therapy

Most individuals contaminated with parvovirus B19 will get well utterly on their very own, the CDC says. There is no such thing as a particular therapy or antiviral remedy for parvovirus B19.

Remedy sometimes focuses on bettering signs, says Schaffner. These might embrace over-the-counter ache relievers or fever reducers and supportive care. Sufferers who develop anemia might obtain blood transfusions or different therapies, in response to the CDC.

Can pets get parvovirus?

Though they share the identical identify, human parvovirus is totally different from the kind of parvovirus which infects animals, corresponding to canine, per the Cleveland Clinic. Parvovirus doesn’t unfold from individuals to their pets or vice versa.

Canine parvovirus sort 2 (CPV-2) is a extremely contagious virus unfold between canine which may trigger extreme gastrointestinal sickness in puppies, TODAY.com beforehand reported.

The right way to forestall parvovirus

There is no such thing as a vaccine to forestall parvovirus B19. Following primary hygiene practices and measures to forestall the unfold of respiratory viruses can scale back the danger of parvovirus B19 an infection, says Schaffner. These embrace:

• Frequent handwashing
• Protecting coughs and sneezes
• Avoiding contact with sick individuals
• Retaining sick kids at residence