A respiratory virus called parvovirus B19, which typically infects young children, is surging. Most adults are immune to the virus because of previous exposure, but you should pay close attention if you’re pregnant.
The B19 virus is a common seasonal infection. In healthy people, the symptoms are unremarkable and include:
- Fever
- Rashes, including a so-called slapped cheek rash on the face, which is typically seen in children
- Malaise
- Sore throat
- Achiness
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Cough
It’s spread by respiratory droplets in the air — so sneezing and coughing sprinkle this highly contagious, but normally mild, infection around a room. It’s everywhere these days, so it is technically an epidemic.
While fewer than 3 percent of children ages 5 to 9 contracted parvovirus B19 from 2022 through early 2024, for example, in June 2024 a full 10 percent of kids that age had the infection.
Plasma donations re-emphasize how much parvovirus B19 is out there. Fewer than 2 percent of plasma donors had parvovirus in their blood in December 2023, yet a whopping 20 percent did in June 2024.
Parvovirus B19 is so common, especially in preschools and early grade school levels, that 50 percent of Americans are immune by age 20, 70 percent by age 40. Antibodies from a previous infection protect us for life unless we become immunocompromised.
The symptoms generally show up about seven days after you catch this bug and go away on their own about five days later. However, Parvovirus B19 is dangerous in certain situations.
Dangers of Parvovirus B19
While rest, ibuprofen and cough syrup are all most people need manage their discomfort, certain people can have serious reactions, including those who are immunocompromised or have sickle cell disease.
If you’re pregnant, especially nine to 20 weeks along, the B19 virus can pass through the placenta and to your fetus, causing severe anemia. It tends to cause greater fetal harm late in the first trimester and in the second trimester. In rare cases, this can be fatal for the baby.
If you’re at high risk, take precautions such as washing your hands often, wearing a mask in groups and not sharing food with others.
If you do contract the B19 virus, with medical care your symptoms should be minimal. Here’s what can develop, in addition to fever, malaise, body aches and joint pain:
- Leukopenia. Your white blood cell count can go low.
- Thrombocytopenia. Your platelet count can dip.
- Anemia. Your hemoglobin or red blood cell counts can drop.
Steps To Take if You’re at Risk
If prevention isn’t enough because of your risk factors, get ahead of the B19 virus. Have a medical professional monitor you so you’ll be supervised before you get too sick.
First, go to the doctor and request a blood test if you suspect you have the virus.
If you’re both infected and pregnant, work with your obstetrician to be frequently monitored for fetal anemia. This epidemic will only be a big deal for a small percentage of people who get it. If you’re in the high-risk group, take simple precautions to avoid catching this virus, and see a doctor for care if you have symptoms.
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