CDC Issues Nationwide Alert: Contagious Parvovirus Indiana & KY

Can you believe that it has been four years since we began dealing with COVID-19? Since then, many of us, myself included, have paid particular attention when there is another contagious outbreak of a virus.

What is Parvovirus B19?

Let's start with some good news. Most people who contract parvovirus B19 don't have any symptoms. Some folks will feel like they have the flu with fever and joint aches. The real difference with this virus is the rash that can sometimes look like you've been slapped in the cheeks. Most of the time the symptoms are mild and usually go away without any treatment. The CDC lists the following symptoms of the virus:

Fever
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Rashes
Joint pain

Photo Credit: Canva face rash

Some People Have Complications with Parvovirus B19

As with any virus or infection, if you already have a weakened immune system from an autoimmune disease or long-covid, parvovirus B19 can cause complications.

Leukemia or other cancers
Organ transplant
HIV infection
Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia

Pregnancy and Parvovirus B19

The CDC’s Health Alert Network's warning about this respiratory infection includes important information for women who are pregnant.

Photo Credit: Canva important

During pregnancy, most cases of fetal parvovirus B19 infection resolve spontaneously without adverse outcomes. However, the risk of an adverse fetal outcome (e.g., fetal anemia, non-immune hydrops, or fetal loss) is 5–10%, and is highest when acute infection occurs between gestational weeks 9–20. Treatment for acute infection in the pregnant individual is supportive, and management includes monitoring for and treating severe fetal anemia.

Parvovirus B19 Prevention

There is no vaccine or treatment that will prevent you from contracting parvovirus B19. You can help prevent the virus by washing your hands! You are already doing that, right? It can also be spread by the following:

Respiratory particles
Blood or blood products
During pregnancy (from mother to baby)

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