Parvovirus infection, also called the 'slapped-cheek disease', is a highly-contagious and common illness seen in kids. Adults with suppressed immunity need to be careful, too. Human parvovirus B19: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory about a spike in cases of parvovirus B19, which is alarming health officials.
Released earlier this month, the advisory -- distributed via CDC's Health Alert Network (HAN) -- notifies 'healthcare providers, public health authorities, and the public' about an increase in 'human parvovirus B19' activity in the country. According to the CDC, parvovirus B19 is a 'seasonal respiratory virus' transmitted through the respiratory droplets of people with 'symptomatic or asymptomatic infection'. Read on to find out more about it.
Slapped-Cheek Disease Parvovirus infection is also sometimes referred to as the 'slapped-cheek disease', and considered to be a highly-contagious and common illness seen in kids. 'Slapped-cheek' refers to the distinctive face rash that is seen in patients. In fact, parvovirus infection is also known as the 'fifth disease' because it was apparently ranked five in a list of common childhood illnesses that develop a rash or rashes.
According to the CDC advisory , it 'received reports indicating increased parvovirus B19 activity' in the US, from data that reported 'clusters of parvovirus B19-associated complications' seen among women who are pregnant, and people suffering from sickle ce.