Parvovirus B19

Current Context : Recently, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory concerning a significant rise in cases of parvovirus B19, commonly known as the Fifth Disease or “slapped cheek” illness.

ABOUT PARVOVIRUS B19

• Parvovirus B19 is a small, single-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Parvoviridae family, genus Erythroparvovirus.
• It is a seasonal respiratory virus.
• Transmitted through respiratory droplets by people. It can also spread through blood. An infected pregnant woman can pass the virus to her baby.
• This illness can be especially hazardous for pregnant women.
• Symptoms Fever, Upset stomach, Headache, Runny nose
• Several days after the appearance of early symptoms, a distinctive bright red rash may appear on face — usually on both cheeks.
• There’s no vaccine to prevent human parvovirus infection.