CDC Issues Advisory on Parvovirus B19

Data indicate increased activity of human parvovirus B19 in the United States, according to a CDC health advisory released Aug. 13. Daycare workers and teachers have high occupational risk of infection through close contact with children, the advisory states. Infection is usually mild in healthy people but can lead to adverse outcomes in those who are not immune or who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have chronic blood disorders. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, rashes, and joint pain. Parvovirus infection in children can be accompanied by a “slapped cheek” rash.

Parvovirus B19 is highly transmissible through respiratory droplets, the advisory explains. During school outbreaks, the virus typically infects 20 to 50 percent of susceptible students and staff, according to CDC. The infection can also be passed from pregnant mother to fetus and through blood transfusions.

The advisory was prompted by an increase in positive tests for the virus. In June 2024, test positivity reached 10 percent among patients of all ages, compared to less than three percent during 2022–2024. For children ages 5 through 9, test positivity was 15 percent during 2022–2024 but 40 percent in June 2024. CDC also notes an increase of parvovirus DNA in laboratory specimens among plasma donors, and clusters of parvovirus B19-associated complications have been identified among pregnant people and those with sickle cell disease.

During the first quarter of 2024, public health authorities in 14 European countries reported unusually high numbers of parvovirus B19 infections, CDC notes. The U.S. does not conduct routine surveillance for parvovirus B19.

For more information, refer to the CDC advisory and the agency’s webpage on parvovirus B19.