cases of ‘Slapped cheek syndrome‘Growing up in America’ also known as Parvovirus B9 And fifth disease, this contagious virus causes a red rash on the face of the infected patient. According to a report by NBC News, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning to doctors to keep an eye out for symptoms of this condition.

The CDC said most of these infections were found in children ages 5 to 9. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control also reported that parvovirus cases were spreading at an unusually high rate in Europe as well.

The CDC also said that pregnant people and people with sickle cell disease who have never been exposed to it are at risk for severe illness. According to NBC News, Abby Parks began experiencing flu-like symptoms in late April, followed by joint pain and a rash. Parks was about 18 weeks pregnant and had been feeling very sick with a fever for several days, but tests for COVID and strep came back negative. Her school nurse, who was noticing students with “really pink, red cheeks,” suggested Parks might have the same infection.

“I gradually got sicker,” Parks said. “I was in bed with a fever for four or five days.” When a blood test ordered by her OB-GYN came back positive for parvovirus B19 in early May, she was referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. The doctor discovered the virus had been passed to the fetus in the womb. The fetus had developed anemia, a very dangerous condition. Doctors gave the fetus a blood transfusion in the womb.

Parks has recovered from the virus, but her pregnancy is still at risk.

What is parvovirus b9?

It is a common and highly contagious childhood disease. It is known as slapped cheek syndrome because it causes a distinctive rash on the face. It is also known as fifth disease because it was ranked fifth in the list of common childhood diseases characterized by a rash.

The infection is mild in children, but in some pregnant women it can cause serious health problems in the fetus. The infection is more serious for those who have some type of anemia or who have a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of parvovirus B9

Parvovirus does not cause any major symptoms, however, when symptoms do appear depends on your age and the length of the illness.

Symptoms in children

• Fever
• upset stomach
• Headache
• Runny nose

Typical rash on the face

Several days after symptoms appear, you may notice a bright red rash on your child’s face, usually on both cheeks. Eventually, it may spread to the arms, torso, thighs, and buttocks.

Symptoms in adults

Adults usually don’t have the slapped-cheek rash. Instead, the most noticeable symptom of parvovirus infection in adults is joint pain, which may last from several days to weeks.

Complications of parvovirus B9

Parvovirus can cause serious complications for people with anemia. Infection in people can stop the production of red blood cells and lead to more complications. People with sickle cell anemia are at higher risk.

Parvovirus can also cause anemia and related complications in the following:

• unborn babies of women infected with parvovirus during pregnancy
• People who have a weakened immune system
• Parvovirus infection in pregnancy.
• parvovirus in people with weakened immune systems

Parvovirus infection can also cause severe anemia in people who have weakened immune systems, which can result in:

• HIV Infection
• Cancer Treatment
• Anti-rejection drugs used after organ transplant.

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