The incidence of Parvovirus, also known as 'slapped cheek disease,' is increasing, according to the CDC. It is crucial to be aware of its symptoms and preventive measures.

The CDC has issued a warning that parvovirus B19, a respiratory disease, is increasing in the U.S. among all age groups.

European public health authorities reported "unusually" high numbers of cases in 14 countries during the first quarter of 2024, prompting the CDC to issue a health alert on Aug. 13.

"Slapped cheek disease" is a term used to describe the typical symptoms of the virus, which include a blotchy rash on the cheeks that resembles someone who has slapped them.

If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, you are at a greater risk of serious illness from parvovirus, which can be a mild infection in many people, according to Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital on Long Island, New York, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

What is parvovirus B19?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that Parvovirus B19 is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Experts say that children are frequently infected with illnesses at school due to close personal contact with others, and they can then spread it to adults when they return home.

During school outbreaks, 20% to 50% of susceptible students and staff become infected, while approximately 50% of people who were not previously infected contract the virus from an infected family member, according to the advisory.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Planet Chronicle and a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, stated that the virus is highly contagious and can spread asymptomatically.

Mayo Clinic classifies Parvovirus B12 as "fifth disease" due to its previous position on a list of common childhood viral illnesses causing rashes.

The top three on this list are measles, rubella, and scarlet fever.

Symptoms of the virus

According to the advisory, although many people who get infected don't exhibit symptoms, some may experience illness.

After a week of exposure, susceptible children may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and fatigue, which usually subside within a week.

People are most contagious in this early phase of the illness.

After several days of having a fever, children typically develop a "slapped cheek" rash, which is a useful diagnostic tool for healthcare providers.

Experts claim that individuals are usually not contagious when they exhibit the rash.

The CDC states that a fine, "lacy" rash may appear on the chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs, which is sometimes itchy. It usually goes away in about a week to 10 days.

The "slapped cheek" rash is more likely to affect children than adults. While adults may experience a generalized rash on the body, their symptoms typically include joint pain that affects the hands, feet, and knees.

Joint pain can last from one to three weeks in adults, but it can persist for months. However, it typically resolves without causing long-term complications.

Antibodies provide immunity

The CDC stated that antibodies from previous infections can aid in preventing the recurrence of parvovirus B12.

"Once infected, you have a lifetime immunity," Siegel noted.

The largest increase in infections was among children ages 5 to 9.

By age 20, 50% of adults in the United States have detectable antibody levels, and more than 70% acquire them by age 40, according to the advisory.

The percentage of individuals who recently had an infection decreased from 3% to below 10% between 2022 and 2024, but rose to 10% in June of this year.

In that time frame, the health alert noted that the largest increase in infections was among children ages 5 to 9, with a rise from 15% to 40%.

Individuals employed in environments with direct contact with kids, including schools and day cares, face a higher risk of contracting the infection.

High-risk populations

According to the CDC, while most healthy adults and children experience mild illness from the virus, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic blood disorders are at risk of developing serious health complications.

Glatt advised that individuals with those conditions should promptly seek medical attention to prevent complications.

The CDC cautioned that pregnant women who are vulnerable to the virus could potentially transmit the illness to their infants.

If you get parvovirus during pregnancy, there is a higher chance of miscarriage, according to Glatt.

During pregnancy, a Parvovirus infection can result in severe anemia in the fetus and miscarriage in 5% to 10% of cases, with the highest risk occurring between 9 and 20 weeks of fetal gestation, according to the advisory.

Patients with significant immunocompromising conditions, such as leukemia, organ transplant recipients, and HIV patients, face a higher risk of complications, according to Glatt.

Although most adults are immune to the virus, many pregnant women are protected from it, the CDC stated.

Treatment is mainly ‘supportive care’

Pregnant women with infections primarily receive supportive care, which involves treating their symptoms and closely monitoring the fetus for severe anemia, according to the advisory.

Individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic blood disorders may experience bone marrow failure due to the virus, the advisory stated.

IVIG and blood cell transfusions are often part of treatment.

Mayo Clinic's website states that IVIG is a group of antibodies that boosts the immune system.

No vaccine exists to prevent parvovirus B19, and the majority of individuals who contract the virus will recover without any lasting consequences.

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Early recognition and treatment of complications may benefit those with parvovirus infection, according to Glatt.

Hand-washing can also help to prevent transmission, according to Siegel.