Health

Parvovirus or ‘slapped cheek disease’ is on the rise, CDC warns: Here’s what to know

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2024

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Parvovirus or ‘slapped cheek disease’ is on the rise, CDC warns: Here’s what to know

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A respiratory disease known as parvovirus B19 is on the rise in the U.S. among all age groups, according to a recent advisory from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC issued the health alert on Aug. 13 after European public health authorities reported “unusually” high numbers of cases in 14 countries during the first quarter of 2024, the advisory said.

The virus typically causes a blotchy rash on the cheeks that appears as if someone has slapped them — hence its nickname, “slapped cheek disease.”

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“Parvovirus can be a very mild infection in many people, but if you are pregnant or are immunocompromised in any way, you are at a much greater risk of serious illness,” Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

What is parvovirus B19?

Parvovirus B19 is a virus that can be easily spread by respiratory droplets in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the CDC.

A respiratory disease known as parvovirus B19 is on the rise in the U.S. among all age groups, according to a recent advisory from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (iStock)

Children are often infected at school and spread it to other kids through close personal contact, then later to adults when they come home, experts say.

Approximately 50% of people who were not previously infected contract the virus from an infected family member — while 20% to 50% of susceptible students and staff become infected during school outbreaks, the advisory notes.

“The virus is highly contagious and can spread asymptomatically,” Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.

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Parvovirus B12 is also known as “fifth disease” because it was previously listed fifth on a list of common childhood viral illnesses that cause rashes, according to Mayo Clinic.

(The top three on this list are measles, rubella and scarlet fever.)

Symptoms of the virus

Many people who get infected don’t have symptoms, but some will experience sickness, according to the advisory.

About a week after an exposure, susceptible children may complain of flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle pain and fatigue, which generally last less than a week.

People are most contagious in this early phase of the illness.

The virus typically causes a blotchy rash on the cheeks that appears as if someone has slapped them — hence the nickname “slapped cheek disease.” (iStock)

Several days after the fever starts, children often develop the hallmark blotchy “slapped cheek” rash — a helpful clue that health care providers use to diagnose the illness.

People are generally not infectious by the time they develop the rash, experts say.

A fine, “lacy” rash may follow on the chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs that is sometimes itchy, according to the CDC. It usually goes away in about a week to 10 days.

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Adults are less likely to develop the “slapped cheek” rash. Their most common symptoms are a generalized rash on the body and joint pain that affects the hands, feet and knees.

In some cases, adults only experience joint pain, which usually lasts one to three weeks – although it can last for months. It usually resolves without long-term complications.

Antibodies provide immunity

Antibodies from prior infection help prevent recurrence of parvovirus B12, the CDC said.

“Once infected, you have a lifetime immunity,” Siegel noted.

The largest increase in infections was among children ages 5 to 9.

Most adults in the United States are immune — with 50% having detectable antibody levels by age 20, and more than 70% acquiring them by age 40, per the advisory.

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The share of people who have had a recent infection dropped below 3% between 2022 and 2024, but increased to 10% in June of this year.

The largest increase in infections was among children ages 5 to 9, going from 15% to 40% in that time frame, the health alert noted.

People who work in settings with close contact with children, such as schools and day cares, are at a greater risk of infection.

High-risk populations

Most healthy adults and children only have a mild illness, but people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and those with chronic blood disorders can develop serious health complications from this virus, according to the CDC.

“Anyone with those conditions should be very quick to seek out medical attention to help address potential complications,” Glatt noted.

Pregnant women who are susceptible to the virus may spread the illness to their babies, the CDC warned. (iStock)

Pregnant women who are susceptible to the virus may spread the illness to their babies, the CDC warned.

“Unfortunately, there is an increased risk of miscarriage if you get parvovirus during pregnancy,” Glatt said.

Parvovirus infection may lead to adverse outcomes — such as severe anemia in the fetus and miscarriage — in 5% to 10% of cases during pregnancy, with the highest risk at between 9 and 20 weeks of fetal gestation, per the advisory.

While parvovirus B19 can affect humans of all ages, only two out of 10 individuals will have physical symptoms. (iStock)

“There is an increased risk of complications in patients with significant immunocompromising conditions, such as those who have leukemia, have received an organ transplant or have an HIV infection,” Glatt added.

Since most adults are immune to the virus, however, many pregnant women are protected from the virus, the CDC noted.

Treatment is mainly ‘supportive care’

Infected pregnant women primarily receive supportive care, which means treating the underlying symptoms and monitoring for severe fetal anemia, according to the advisory.

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People with weakened immune systems or those with chronic blood disorders can sometimes develop bone marrow failure as a result of the virus, the advisory added.

In that case, treatment often includes blood cell transfusions and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

People are generally not infectious by the time they develop the rash, experts say. (iStock)

(IVIG is a collection of antibodies that strengthens the immune system, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.)

There is currently no vaccine to prevent parvovirus B19, and most people infected with the virus will recover without any long-term complications.

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“While there is no specific treatment for parvovirus infection, recognizing the complications and addressing them early may be of benefit,” Glatt added.

Hand-washing can also help to prevent transmission, according to Siegel.

Health

GLP-1 drugs linked to higher fracture risk, osteoporosis and gout, new studies suggest

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6 hours ago

March 7, 2026

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$GLP-1 drugs linked to higher fracture risk, osteoporosis and gout, new studies suggest$

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GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, but new research suggests doctors may need to pay closer attention to bone health, especially in older patients taking the drugs.

Older adults with Type 2 diabetes who started GLP-1s had an 11% higher risk of fragility fractures compared to those taking other diabetes medications, a study published in February in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found.

Dr. Michal Kasher Meron, an endocrinologist at Meir Medical Center in Israel and lead author of the study, said the relative increase may sound small, but it carries weight for an at-risk population.

“Both older age and Type 2 diabetes are independent risk factors for fragility fractures,” Kasher Meron told Fox News Digital. “This is a population that deserves special attention.”

A new study suggests older adults with Type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1 medications may face increased fracture risk. (iStock)

Fragility fractures are breaks from minor falls or routine activity, often linked to osteoporosis, and can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence and even increased mortality in older adults, Kasher Meron noted.

The study followed more than 46,000 adults 65 and older for nearly three years. After adjustments, GLP-1 users had a modest but statistically significant increase in fracture risk.

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Previous research in younger patients using older GLP-1s did not show increased fracture risk, but newer, more potent versions are now widely prescribed to older adults, Kasher Meron noted.

“In older adults treated with contemporary medications, the fracture risk picture looks different and warrants close attention,” she said.

Separate research found slightly higher rates of osteoporosis and gout among adults using GLP-1s. (iStock)

The study, however, was observational, meaning it shows an association but not causation. Researchers were unable to determine whether the risk was driven by weight loss, changes in diet, muscle loss or a direct effect on bone.

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Nonetheless, Kasher Meron says, “Bone health should be assessed before starting these medications in older patients — not as an afterthought.”

The findings come as separate research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting this month raised additional bone health concerns.

In an analysis of more than 146,000 adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 users were found to have a 29% higher relative risk of osteoporosis over five years compared to nonusers, according to reports.

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Rates of gout were also slightly higher, affecting 7.4% of GLP-1 users compared to 6.6% of nonusers — about a 12% relative increase.

Experts recommend bone density screening for older adults taking GLP-1 medications. (iStock)

Osteomalacia, a softening of the bones, was rare but occurred about twice as often in GLP-1 users, according to the study, which has not yet been peer reviewed. It was also observational, showing only an association. Fox News Digital has reached out to the researcher for comment.

Several mechanisms could be at play, experts say. GLP-1 medications suppress appetite and can lead to rapid weight loss. Significant weight loss is known to reduce bone density, partly because less mechanical load is placed on the skeleton.

“It’s the same idea as when we always hear about astronauts going up into space, and they’re in a gravity-zero environment for too long,” lead author Dr. John Horneff, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, told NBC News.

“There’s nothing forcing their bones to kind of hold their weight anymore. And a lot of those astronauts come back with low bone density.”

Additionally, eating fewer calories may also mean lower intake of calcium, vitamin D and protein, nutrients critical for bone strength.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are widely used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. (iStock)

Rapid weight loss can also temporarily increase uric acid levels, a byproduct of tissue breakdown, which may explain the uptick in gout cases.

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Despite the findings, experts say the results should not discourage appropriate use of GLP-1 medications, which have proven benefits for blood sugar control, weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.

In addition to bone density screening, experts say patients should ensure adequate nutrition and resistance training to help preserve muscle and bone during weight loss.

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A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which manufactures GLP-1 medications, said the company prioritizes patient safety, works closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and welcomes independent research into its products.

Experts also recommend proper nutrition and resistance training to help preserve muscle and bone health during weight loss. (iStock)

The known risks and benefits of the drugs are reflected in the current FDA-approved labeling, Liz Skrbkova, head of U.S. media relations for Novo Nordisk, told Fox News Digital. She emphasized that semaglutide has demonstrated cardiovascular, kidney and liver benefits when used under medical supervision.

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“Osteoporosis is a complex condition that develops over many years as a result of interdependent risk factors,” Skrbkova added.

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.

Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.

Health

What’s healthier to drink: cold or hot water? Here’s what an expert says

Published

18 hours ago

March 7, 2026

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What’s healthier to drink: cold or hot water? Here’s what an expert says

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A viral wellness trend asks a simple question — is warm or cold water healthier? — but the science behind it is more nuanced.

Previous research shows that food and beverage temperature has a measurable effect on things like anxiety and gut discomfort.

One of the most long-standing health claims is that ice-cold water boosts calorie burn by forcing the body to heat it up. While this is grounded in science, the actual impact may be minimal.

Ultimately, experts say, the health impact of water temperature depends on the goal — weight loss, athletic performance, digestion or comfort.

Does cold water boost weight loss?

“As per research, in the 90 minutes after consuming cold or room temperature water, energy expenditure increases minimally by 2.9% (cold water) and 2.3% (room temperature),” Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

Extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure, experts say. (iStock)

While the body does expend energy to warm up cold water, Freirich noted that it’s “not significant enough to make it worthwhile” for weight loss. Hot water doesn’t exactly melt fat, however, she added.

For those looking to lose or manage weight, Freirich suggests focusing on “how much” rather than “how cold.” She pointed to research involving overweight women who added an extra 1.5 liters of water to their daily intake. Over eight weeks, the participants saw measurable weight loss.

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“The extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure,” Freirich said. The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, she added, noting that more research is needed.

For those exercising in heat and humidity, the goal should be to rehydrate without excessive fluid loss through sweat. Research on thermoregulation suggests there is an ideal water temperature for athletes.

The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, according to an expert. (iStock)

While drinking water can trigger sweating as the body regulates its temperature, 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with the least amount of perspiration.

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“Cool, but not cold,” Freirich emphasized. Drinking water in this specific range helps the body rehydrate efficiently without causing gastrointestinal distress.

Warm water and digestion

There are several reasons someone might opt for warm water, including its effect on relaxation and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut.

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The benefits may be mental as well. Freirich points to research showing that hot black tea leads to lower levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — and greater subjective relaxation after stressful tasks.

The preference for warm water often stems from its effect on the rest and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut. (iStock)

Medical triggers

Freirich warns that very cold water can cause difficulty for those with swallowing disorders, or can trigger migraines and “brain freeze” in people with sensitive nerves.

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Furthermore, those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that ice-cold drinks trigger digestive discomfort.

Ultimately, the best temperature is the one that encourages people to drink, the dietitian said. The general recommendation for adults is to consume seven to eight glasses of water per day.

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“Most importantly, it is important for everyone to stay adequately hydrated,” Freirich said.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

Health

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Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

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On the lookout

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Weight-loss drugs may prevent deadly heart complications by opening blocked blood vessels after heart attacks, groundbreaking new research reveals. (iStock)