The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory due to the increase in cases of Human parvovirus B19 in the United StatesThis condition is also known as erythema, ‘fifth disease’ or ‘slapped cheek disease’.
Parvovirus B19 is a seasonal respiratory virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets by people with symptomatic or asymptomatic infection. In the first quarter of 2024, public health authorities of 14 European countries observed an unusually high number of cases.
In the United States, increased circulation has been detected, according to the CDC.
The outbreak of parvovirus is likely related to the fact that mobility restriction measures during the COVID-19 health emergency caused children to develop less immunity by not attending school, experts suggest.
Parvovirus B19 is highly transmissible in respiratory droplets, with 50% of susceptible individuals infected after household exposure and 20-50% of susceptible students and staff infected during school outbreaks.
Historically, people who work in schools and in close contact with children (e.g., daycare workers and teachers) have had a high occupational risk of infectionAbout 50% of adults have detectable antibodies by age 20. More than 70% of adults have detectable antibodies by age 40. Antibodies from a previous infection are thought to protect against reinfection.
Parvovirus B19 infection can be transmitted during pregnancy (i.e., from mother to fetus) or through transfusion of blood components and certain plasma derivatives.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that all plasma-derived products and plasma units be tested for parvovirus B19 using nucleic acid testing.
Although many People infected with parvovirus B19 are asymptomaticimmunocompetent children and adults with symptomatic disease usually develop a biphasic illness. The first phase of the illness is characterized by symptoms of fever, myalgia, and malaise and develops approximately 7 days after infection. This phase lasts approximately 5 days.
Infected individuals are most contagious during the first phase, when viral loads in respiratory secretions and saliva are highest. During the second phase of the disease (approximately 7 to 10 days after the first phase), children typically develop a characteristic facial rash. (erythema infectiosum or “slapped cheek” appearance)which may be followed by a reticulated body rash or joint pain (arthralgia) 1 to 4 days later.
In immunocompetent adults, the most common symptoms of parvovirus B19 disease usually occur during the second phase and include a reticular rash on the trunk and joint pain (arthralgia). The characteristic facial rash usually does not appear until the viral load (a measure of infectivity) has decreased.
Laboratory tests performed during acute illness They may demonstrate a transient decrease in absolute reticulocyte counts lasting approximately 10 days, mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, or leukopenia.
Most people only require palliative care during the acute phase of the illness and recover completely.
Severe outcomes of parvovirus B19 disease, such as myocarditis, hepatitis, or encephalitis, are rare. No vaccine or specific treatment is recommended for parvovirus B19 infection.
Recommendations for the public
1. Learn about the symptoms of parvovirus B19 and who may be at higher risk for serious illness.
2. Seek medical attention if you are pregnant and have been exposed to a person with suspected or confirmed parvovirus B19 or have signs and symptoms of parvovirus B19.
Or if you have a weakened immune system or a chronic hemolytic blood disorder including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and hereditary spherocytosis, and have signs and symptoms of parvovirus B19.
3. Follow general respiratory precautions for prevent the spread from parvovirus B19 and other respiratory viruses. People at higher risk for severe parvovirus B19 may consider using additional prevention strategies, such as wearing a mask when around others.
4. Know that children and adults with parvovirus B19 are no longer contagious once the characteristic facial rash appears.
(With information from CDC)
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