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In August 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning bulletin about parvovirus B19.

Parvovirus B19 is a seasonal respiratory virus that typically affects children. Most people get infected with this virus at some point during their lifetime.

Many people with parvovirus B19 infection don’t experience symptoms, while others may develop mild symptoms. Complications are rare but possible in immunocompromised people. They’re also possible in pregnant people or people with certain medical conditions.

According to the CDC’s bulletin, it had received reports of increased parvovirus B19 activity in the United States in 2024. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported increased parvovirus B19 activity beginning in spring 2024.

Here’s what you need to know about parvovirus B19, including how it spreads and the symptoms of its infection.

What Is Parvovirus B19?

Parvovirus B19 is a seasonal respiratory virus. It spreads most often during the late winter and spring. Other terms for parvovirus B19 include fifth disease and erythema infectiousum, due to its distinctive “slapped cheek” rash.

Unlike other parvoviruses, which can infect dogs and cats, parvovirus B19 only infects humans.

Parvovirus B19 infection usually happens for the first time during childhood.

How Does Parvovirus B19 Spread?

Parvovirus B19 often spreads through respiratory droplets found in nasal mucus, saliva, or sputum (spit). When someone who has gotten infected coughs, sneezes, breathes, talks, or sings, it releases droplets that can infect someone else. You can also get parvovirus B19 if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.

Because parvovirus B19 is common in children, it often spreads in households, schools, or child care settings. Adults who take care of children may face a greater risk of infection.

Parvovirus B19 can also spread through contaminated blood or blood products.

If you’re pregnant and become infected with parvovirus B19, the infection can spread to your unborn baby.

What Are the Symptoms of Parvovirus B19 Infection?

Many people who get a parvovirus B19 infection don’t have any symptoms at all. Others may have mild to severe symptoms.

Common symptoms of parvovirus B19 include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Malaise
• Muscle pain
• Rash
• Sore throat

Parvovirus B19 symptoms typically appear in stages. During the first stage, which begins about a week after infection, people experience mild flu-like symptoms. People are usually the most contagious during this stage of the disease.

The second stage of parvovirus B19 infection comes about seven to 10 days after the first stage. The most telltale sign is a red facial rash, which is sometimes called a “slapped cheek” rash because of how it looks. This rash is more common in children.

People also may develop a nonspecific rash on other parts of their body, such as the arms, legs, chest, back, and buttocks.

Joint pain and swelling can also occur during the second stage of parvovirus B19 infection. Joint pain is usually more common in adults with parvovirus B19 infection.

Symptoms of parvovirus B19 infection usually go away within a few weeks.

What Are the Complications of Parvovirus B19 Infection?

Most people who have parvovirus B19 infection experience only a mild illness. Complications are rare but possible. People at greater risk include:

• Immunocompromised people, such as organ transplant patients, people receiving chemotherapy, or people with uncontrolled HIV.
• People with certain blood conditions, such as leukemia and other blood cancers, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia.
• Pregnant people.

In immunocompromised people and people with blood disorders, parvovirus B19 can cause anemia.

In pregnant people with parvovirus B19 infection, spreading the infection to your baby is possible. It can cause severe anemia in your baby if infection occurs during the first half of pregnancy. There’s also a slightly higher risk of miscarriage.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have gotten exposed to someone with parvovirus B19 and your risk of complications is high, talk to your doctor.

How Do You Treat Parvovirus B19 Infection?

Treatment for parvovirus B19 infections focuses on relieving the symptoms of your illness. You can take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms like fever, headaches, and joint pain. Talk to your doctor for recommendations.

Symptoms generally go away on their own within a few weeks.

If you develop complications like anemia, you may need blood treatments and other supportive care. Talk to your doctor about treatment.

Also, if you’re pregnant, talk to your ob-gyn about recommended treatments or monitoring to reduce the risk to you and your baby.

Can You Prevent Parvovirus B19 by Vaccine?

There’s no vaccine for parvovirus B19. You can take precautions to prevent getting infected with or spreading parvovirus B19, including:

• Avoid contact with infected people — Stay out of close contact with people who have a parvovirus B19 infection.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes — Use a tissue when sneezing or coughing. If you don’t have one available, try to sneeze or cough into your elbow instead of your hands.
• Keep good hand hygiene — Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer.
• Sanitize your surfaces — Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects in your household.
• Stay home if you’re sick — If you have symptoms of parvovirus B19 infection, stay home from work or school. Avoid close contact with others to prevent the virus from spreading.
• Wear a mask — If you have symptoms of parvovirus B19 infection, wear a mask around others to prevent spread. Or, if you’re at greater risk of complications from parvovirus B19, wear a mask to help prevent infection.