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

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 is a respiratory virus spread that most commonly spreads in late winter, spring, and early summer. 

‘Historically, people working in schools and in close contact with children (e.g., daycare workers and teachers) have had high occupational risk of infection,’ CDC officials wrote in a Tuesday health alert. 

Roughly seven in 10 Americans have detectable antibodies by age 40, indicating that they were previously infected. 

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

And the largest surge was seen in children ages five to nine, which rose from 15 percent in 2022-2024 to 40 percent in June. 

Many patients never develop symptoms, but those who do usually notice a mild fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and general fatigue. As the illness runs its course, children develop the hallmark ‘slapped cheek’ rash, which may 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 with rest and fluids, but a small set of those who are pregnant or immunocompromised may have more severe consequences.

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

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

The CDC did not suggest what could be behind the rise of parvovirus B19 cases, but it recommended general precautions like hand washing, staying away from people who are sick, and wearing a mask in public.