Health alert issued in US after 40% increase in parvovirus B19 among children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert on Tuesday in the US after discovering a 40% increase in highly contagious respiratory illness caused by parvovirus B19 among children age 5-9 since the beginning of 2024.

The percentage of positive cases in this age group rose from 15% during 2022–2024 to 40% in June 2024, the CDC said in a statement, citing The Hill online media outlet.

The statement said this virus, which is transmitted through droplets entering the body via the respiratory tract, usually causes mild symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, and rash.

However, it can be problematic for people with immune system issues or chronic blood disorders.

The statement also underlined that no vaccine for the virus has yet been developed and advised caution when dealing with the disease.

The latest alert follows a similar increase in cases reported earlier this year across 14 European countries, including France, Spain, and Germany.