Health fears over fast-spreading illness causing nasty rash and miscarriages

Health authorities are warning that a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes rashes, anemia and miscarriages is becoming more common in the US.

The CDC sounded the alarm this week about a rise in cases of parvovirus B19, a respiratory infection that is spread from person to person through breathing, coughing or sneezing.

They warned that in just two years, the number of cases has increased by almost two-thirds in children aged five to nine. And officials also noted an increase in infections in pregnant women.

In most cases, only mild symptoms occur, namely a bright red rash on the cheeks, which disappear on their own. However, pregnant women and patients with weakened immune systems are at risk of serious complications, such as anemia, miscarriage and stillbirth.

It’s unclear what’s behind the surge, 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 is a respiratory infection that usually spreads in late winter, spring, and early summer.

“Historically, people who work in schools and have close contact with children (e.g., daycare workers and teachers) have been at high occupational risk for infection,” CDC officials wrote in a report Tuesday. health warning.

About seven in 10 Americans have detectable antibodies before age 40, indicating they have been infected before.

According to CDC data, the percentage of people with antibodies from a recent infection increased from three percent in 2022 to 2024 to 10 percent in June 2024.

The largest increase was observed among children aged five to nine: from 15 percent in 2022-2024 to 40 percent in June.

Many patients never develop symptoms, but those who do usually notice a low-grade fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and general fatigue. As the disease progresses, children develop the characteristic “slapped cheek” rash, which can spread to other parts of the body.

“Children and adults with parvovirus B19 are no longer contagious once the characteristic facial rash appears,” CDC officials wrote.

Most patients require rest and fluids, but a small number of pregnant women or patients with weakened immune systems may experience more serious consequences.

The CDC warned that if a pregnant woman becomes infected, the virus can spread to the fetus and can lead to fetal anemia, miscarriage or stillbirth in about five to 10 percent of cases. These complications are most common during weeks nine to 20 of pregnancy.

People with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, may be at risk for aplastic anemia, a condition that occurs when the bone marrow can no longer produce enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Left untreated, aplastic anemia can lead to uncontrolled bleeding and death.

The CDC did not provide an explanation for the increase in parvovirus B19 cases, but did recommend general precautions, such as washing hands, staying away from sick people and wearing a mask in public.