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Virus that causes 'slapped cheek’ disease in children on the rise, CDC warns

Parvovirus B19 in erythema infectiosum - isometric view 3d illustration
There is no vaccine for human parvovirus B19, but the CDC recommends people practice hand hygiene and wear a face mask if they feel that they are at risk of exposure to the virus. (Shutterstock)
  • The CDC issued a health advisory after an increase in cases of human parvovirus B19 in the U.S. and Europe
  • The respiratory virus can cause fever, muscle aches, sore throat and fatigue
  • Most people who get infected are asymptomatic but children can develop facial and body rashes

Cases of human parvovirus B19 are on the rise in the U.S. and 14 European countries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a health advisory Tuesday

The greatest increase in cases of the highly transmissible seasonal respiratory virus has been among children ages 5 through 9. 

What is parvovirus B19? 

The rash from fifth disease on a child.
The virus can cause Fifth disease, also known as ‘slapped cheek’ disease, mostly in infected children. (Shutterstock)

Parvovirus B19 is a seasonal virus that can be spread through respiratory droplets, even if the infected person is asymptomatic. 

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The virus can also cause Fifth disease, a bright red facial rash also known as “slapped cheek” disease, which mostly impacts children who’ve been infected with the virus for about seven to 10 days. It can also appear in adults. It typically resolves on its own after a few days. 

People who work in schools or close to children are at a higher risk of being infected with parvovirus. However, roughly 50% of adults have antibodies by age 20 and more than 70% of adults have antibodies by age 40, according to the CDC. 

What are the common symptoms?

 Close-up of a woman's arm showing a rash caused by Human Parvovirus (Parvovirus B19), standing outdoors on grass.
Adults infected with parvovirus B19 may develop a reticular rash and joint pain, the CDC says. (Shutterstock)

The majority of people who become ill with parvovirus B19 are asymptomatic but children and adults who have a sensitive immune system may show symptoms. 

Common symptoms include fever, muscle pain, nausea or fatigue, which are present within seven days of infection. Children who are infected after seven days may start to develop a face rash. For adults, the most common symptoms are reticular rash on the trunk and joint pain, which typically occur during the latter phase of infection, CDC says.

Is it preventable?

There is no vaccine for human parvovirus B19. Treatment for the virus mainly focuses on alleviating symptoms.

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The CDC recommends that people who work in places that are more susceptible to the spread of the disease avoid sharing food or drinks, wear a face mask at work and practice hand hygiene

Can the virus affect pets?

Human parvovirus B19 is different from canine parvovirus type 2, a highly contagious disease that can infect dogs.  

The virus attacks dogs’ white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract. Signs included lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and severe or bloody diarrhea.

Parvovirus cannot be spread from humans to dogs or from dogs to humans. 

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