CDC Issues Health Advisory on Increased Parvovirus B19 Activity in the United States
What is Parvovirus B19?
Parvovirus B19 is a common virus that causes a mild illness called fifth disease. It is spread through respiratory droplets from people who are infected with the virus.
Symptoms of Parvovirus B19
Symptoms of fifth disease include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
Most people recover from fifth disease within a few weeks. However, the virus can be more serious for people with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, it can lead to anemia, thrombocytopenia, and encephalitis.
Increased Parvovirus B19 Activity in the United States
The CDC has recently received reports of increased parvovirus B19 activity in the United States. These reports include data from commercial laboratories showing an increase in the number of positive parvovirus B19 tests.
The CDC is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify healthcare providers and public health officials about the increased activity of parvovirus B19 in the United States. The CDC recommends that healthcare providers be aware of the symptoms of parvovirus B19 and consider testing for the virus in patients with suspected cases.
Prevention and Treatment of Parvovirus B19
There is no specific treatment for parvovirus B19. Treatment is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers.
The best way to prevent parvovirus B19 is to avoid contact with people who are infected with the virus. This can be difficult to do, as many people with parvovirus B19 do not have any symptoms.
If you are pregnant, it is important to avoid contact with people who have parvovirus B19. The virus can cause serious problems in unborn babies, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects.
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