(NEXSTAR)–Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A health alert was issued The warning came on Tuesday after a highly contagious respiratory illness was detected, especially among young children.
Over the past two years, infections of a common seasonal disease known as parvovirus B19 have been increasing, especially among children ages 5 to 9. The CDC said the percentage of positive cases in this age group rose to 40% in June 2024, up from 15% in 2022 and early 2024.
The CDC has received reports from doctors of an unexpected increase in infections among pregnant women, some of which have reportedly caused severe anemia in the fetus, requiring blood transfusions or resulting in miscarriage.
According to the CDC, the virus is spread primarily through respiratory droplets and can spread rapidly in settings such as schools and daycare centers. Typically They occur in late winter, spring and early summer, with small outbreaks occurring approximately every 3-4 years.
People infected with the virus usually experience symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, joint pain, “I was slapped on the cheek” People may develop a rash, but the CDC also says the virus can pose a serious risk to those with weakened immune systems and chronic blood disorders such as sickle cell disease.
“Most people require only supportive care during the acute phase of the illness and recover fully. Severe outcomes, such as myocarditis, hepatitis, and encephalitis due to parvovirus B19, are rare,” the CDC explains, noting that there is no vaccine against the virus.
In response to the rising number of cases, the CDC is urging health care workers to be vigilant in diagnosing and managing the virus, especially among high-risk groups, and recommends preventive measures such as thorough hand hygiene to limit the spread of the virus.
The latest warning comes after a similar surge in cases reported earlier this year. 14 European countriesFrance, Spain, Germany etc.
