Time: 2024-08-21
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about the rising activity of Parvovirus B19 , also known as Fifth disease , a seasonal respiratory virus . This virus is commonly spread through respiratory droplets , with antibodies from previous infections believed to offer some level of protection against reinfection . It is noted that about half of US adults have detectable levels of these antibodies by the age of 20 , increasing to over 70 % by the age of 40 . Individuals in close contact with children , such as those working in schools or daycares , are at a higher risk of contracting the virus.
Efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 during the pandemic led to a significant decrease in parvovirus B19 infections , resulting in a loss of immunity among the population . However , the CDC has reported a recent surge in cases , with higher test positivity rates and clusters of complications observed , especially among individuals at high risk of severe illness . The proportion of people with antibodies indicating recent infection has risen to 10 % in June , with children aged 5 to 9 showing the highest increase.
The CDC has also received reports of elevated case counts among pregnant individuals , including severe fetal anemia or miscarriage , as well as an increase in aplastic anemia among those with sickle cell disease . Although many infected individuals may not exhibit symptoms , those who do will typically experience two phases of illness , with the first phase characterized by symptoms such as fever , muscle aches , and malaise , followed by the development of a facial rash in children during the second phase.
Severe complications can arise in certain groups , such as individuals with chronic hemolytic conditions like sickle cell disease , as well as pregnant individuals , where adverse fetal outcomes may occur in 5 % to 10 % of cases . There is currently no vaccine for parvovirus B19 , and treatment mainly focuses on symptom management , as most infections will resolve on their own . In light of the increasing cases , the CDC advises everyone to adhere to general precautions for preventing respiratory illness , including frequent handwashing , cleaning common surfaces , and practicing proper respiratory hygiene.
Individuals who are pregnant , immunocompromised , or have hemolytic disorders are advised to wear masks around others and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop . It is crucial to stay away from others until symptoms improve and to be fever - free for at least 24 hours without medication before resuming normal activities.
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