Health Officials Warn of Increase in Human Parvovirus Cases

The CDC has raised the alarm about an increase in human parvovirus activity, leaving many families concerned about how it could affect them.

At a Glance

The CDC issued a health alert about human parvovirus B19, a seasonal respiratory illness, particularly affecting young children.
An increase in cases has been noted among children aged 5 to 9 and pregnant individuals, resulting in severe complications in some cases.
The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and is common in schools and daycares.
Preventive measures like good hand hygiene are recommended to reduce the spread.
The CDC advises healthcare providers to be vigilant in diagnosing and managing the virus.

Understanding Parvovirus B19

Human parvovirus B19, often referred to as “slapped cheek” disease due to the characteristic facial rash it causes, is a highly contagious virus that mainly affects children. The CDC has recently observed a notable increase in cases, particularly among young children and pregnant women.

This virus is known to spread through respiratory droplets, making environments like schools, daycares, and crowded public spaces particularly vulnerable. The cases and test positivity rates among children aged 5 to 9 reportedly increased from 15% between 2022 and 2024 to 40% in June 2024. Furthermore, the rise in infections among pregnant individuals has resulted in severe fetal anemia and pregnancy loss in some cases.

CDC: ISSUES HAN HEALTH ADVISORY TO ABOUT INCREASES IN HUMAN PARVOVIRUS B19 ACTIVITY IN US

— First Squawk (@FirstSquawk) August 13, 2024

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Symptoms of parvovirus B19 typically include fever, headache, sore throat, joint pain, and a distinctive “slapped cheek” rash. While most individuals recover with supportive care, the virus can be serious for those with compromised immune systems or chronic blood disorders.

“Most people require only supportive care during the acute phase of illness and will recover completely. Severe outcomes from parvovirus B19 disease, such as myocarditis, hepatitis, or encephalitis, are rare,” the CDC said.

Given the seasonal nature of parvovirus B19, cases typically surge in late winter, spring, and early summer, with mini-outbreaks occurring every three to four years. The CDC has no routine surveillance for this virus in the U.S., complicating efforts to track and manage it effectively.

Which workers does @CDCemergency's Parvovirus B19 warning apply to?

Advisory does say that:

"Historically, people working in schools and in close contact with children (e.g., daycare workers and teachers) have had high occupational risk of infection."https://t.co/7GRNU2NCj3 pic.twitter.com/qP0uSFPcEX

— Alexander Tin (@Alexander_Tin) August 13, 2024

What the CDC Recommends

The CDC is urging healthcare providers to be vigilant in diagnosing and managing parvovirus B19, especially in high-risk groups. They recommend good hand hygiene and respiratory precautions to reduce the virus’s spread. Pregnant individuals, immunocompromised people, and those with chronic hemolytic disorders should consider wearing masks and seek medical care if symptoms develop, the agency says.