The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert in the United States following a significant rise in parvovirus B19 infections among children aged 5 to 9. The CDC’s announcement on Tuesday highlighted a concerning 40% increase in cases of this highly contagious respiratory illness since the beginning of 2024.
According to the CDC, the percentage of positive parvovirus B19 cases in this age group surged from 15% during the 2022–2024 period to 40% by June 2024. The data was first reported by The Hill, an online media outlet.
Parvovirus B19, primarily spread through respiratory droplets, typically causes mild symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, and a distinctive rash. However, the virus poses a more serious threat to individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic blood disorders.
The CDC emphasized that no vaccine is currently available for parvovirus B19, urging the public to exercise caution in preventing the spread of the disease.
This health alert comes on the heels of a similar increase in parvovirus B19 cases reported earlier this year across 14 European countries, including France, Spain, and Germany.