Contagious Parvovirus B19 Is Spreading: What to Know

Rising infections from a respiratory virus known as parvovirus B19 prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue an alert recently. The highest Infection rate has been among children ages 5 to 9. Most adults have some level of immunity from being infected as children.

“We don’t routinely test for parvovirus, so it can fly under the radar unless you’re specifically trying to find it,” says Amy Edwards, MD, a University Hospitals pediatric infectious disease specialist. Here’s what to know.

What Is Parvovirus?

Human parvovirus, commonly called fifth disease or “slapped cheek” disease, usually doesn’t cause serious illness. Children often develop a bright red rash on their cheeks. Adults may get a rash on the arms, chest, stomach or thighs.

Parvovirus is highly contagious, but most people are asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms (fever, headache, cough, sore throat). Some people are at higher risk for serious infection:

• Pregnant women.
• People with blood disorders that affect the red blood cells, such as sickle cell disease.
• People who are immunocompromised due to conditions such as leukemia or other cancers, organ transplants, HIV infection and those receiving chemotherapy.

Parvovirus in Children

Often, children are diagnosed based on the bright-red rash that appears on the cheeks. Most children with parvovirus symptoms don’t require medical care and are not tested, Dr. Edwards says. The chances of severe illness are rare.

“The main thing in children, as with all infections, is to stay hydrated. Young children, especially under age 1, are at increased risk of dehydration,” says Dr. Edwards. “The vast majority of infections can be managed at home with supportive care, rest and fluids.”

Parvovirus and Pregnancy

It’s unusual for parvovirus B19 to cause problems in pregnancy. More than 70 percent of adults have protective antibodies from prior infection, so most women have some protection. But there is a small risk that infection can spread to the developing baby and cause severe anemia in the baby, Dr. Edwards says.

• The risk is highest in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
• The risk is most concerning if the mother is anemic.

“Pregnant women may develop anemia because of increased blood volume needed to sustain pregnancy,” says Dr. Edwards. “The combination of anemia and parvovirus can pose a risk of anemic crisis, where the body can’t make enough red blood cells. If the fetus gets infected, they are more at risk of significant anemia or anemic crisis.”

Fetal anemia can be treated successfully. In extremely rare cases, it can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. “Most people, even pregnant people who get parvovirus, will be fine,” says Dr. Edwards. “Most pregnant women have had exposure to parvovirus in the past and have good immunity, so it’s not a problem for the fetus.”

Dr. Edwards says pregnant women should talk to their doctor if they have parvovirus B19 symptoms or believe they have been exposed to the virus. “We recommend you let your obstetrician know, so they can assess your risk and decide how best to monitor it,” says Dr. Edwards.

Preventing Parvovirus

There is no vaccine or treatment to prevent parvovirus B19. The best way to prevent the spread is by using good hygiene practices:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often.
• Cover sneezes and cough.
• Stay home if you feel sick.

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The experts at University Hospitals have the expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial and fungal pneumonia in both adults and children. Learn more about our vast network of primary care providers and pediatricians.