Health fears over fast-spreading illness causing nasty rash and miscarriages READ MORE: Experts warn that America is on the verge of measles MAYHEM By Emily Joshu Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com Published: 14:37, 14 August 2024 | Updated: 15:03, 14 August 2024 e-mail 10 View comments A highly contagious respiratory illness causing rashes, anemia, and miscarriages is on the rise in the US, health officials warn. The CDC sounded the alarm this week about an uptick in cases of parvovirus B19, a respiratory virus spread from person to person through breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
They warned that in just two years, cases have surged by nearly two-thirds in kids ages five to nine. And officials also noted an increase in infections in pregnant women. While most cases only cause mild symptoms, namely a bright red rash on the cheeks, and resolve on their own, pregnant or immunocompromised patients could be at risk of severe complications like anemia, miscarriages, and stillbirth.
It's unclear what is behind the rise, but the CDC's warning comes after European authorities reported unusually high numbers of parvovirus B19 in 14 countries during the first quarter of the year. Parvovirus B19 causes a hallmark 'slapped cheek' rash in children. Once the rash occurs, patients are no longer contagious Parvovirus B19 is a respiratory virus spread that most commonly spreads in late winter, spring, and early summer.
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