Parvovirus: What Is Slapped Cheek Syndrome

Image: Mayoclinic

18 August 2024

Cases of 'slapped cheek' disease, a highly contagious disease that commonly affects kids and pregnant women has seen an uptick in the US


Image: Mayoclinic

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued health advisory to take preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease caused by Parvovirus 


Image: Unsplash

The CDC states that parvovirus B19 is "highly transmissible in respiratory droplets"


Image: Unsplash

Symptoms such as fever and malaise typically develop about a week after exposure. During the second week, the distinctive facial rash appears, often accompanied by body pain


Image: Unsplash

While most people only need supportive care, pregnant women face a risk of "adverse fetal outcomes," including fetal anaemia, non-immune hydrops (which can strain the heart), or fetal loss


Image: Unsplash

The risk is greatest if a pregnant woman contracts parvovirus between weeks 9 and 20 of pregnancy


Image: Unsplash

CDC advises that pregnant individuals seek medical care if exposed to parvovirus B19


Image: Unsplash

So far, there is no vaccine for parvovirus prevention in human, although scientists are working on developing one


Image: Unsplash

Check More Stories

Image: Reuters 

Image: Unsplash

Image: Mayoclinic

ndtv.com