Cases of 'slapped cheek' disease, a highly contagious disease that commonly affects kids and pregnant women has seen an uptick in the US
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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
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The CDC states that parvovirus B19 is "highly transmissible in respiratory droplets"
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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
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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
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The risk is greatest if a pregnant woman contracts parvovirus between weeks 9 and 20 of pregnancy
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CDC advises that pregnant individuals seek medical care if exposed to parvovirus B19
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So far, there is no vaccine for parvovirus prevention in human, although scientists are working on developing one