Health

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

Published

2 hours ago

August 21, 2024

Press Room

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

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

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.”

WITH MPOX A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IN AFRICA, WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT INCREASED VIRUS RISK

“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.

WEST NILE DEATH REPORTED IN TEXAS AS HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN RESIDENTS TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST MOSQUITOES

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.

WEST NILE DEATH REPORTED IN TEXAS AS HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN RESIDENTS TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST MOSQUITOES

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.

LISTERIA INFECTION LINKED TO DELI MEATS KILLS 2, INFECTS 28 ACROSS US, CDC WARNS

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.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

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.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“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

Remote Pharmacy: Facts, Figures and Real Patient Interviews | Woman's World

Published

9 hours ago

August 20, 2024

Press Room

Remote Pharmacy: Facts, Figures and Real Patient Interviews | Woman’s World

Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.

Use escape to exit the menu.

Health

Doctors can stop severe bleeding ‘in seconds’ with newly approved trauma product

Published

9 hours ago

August 20, 2024

Press Room

Doctors can stop severe bleeding ‘in seconds’ with newly approved trauma product

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a novel treatment that is designed to stop severe bleeding in a matter of seconds.

TRAUMAGEL — made by Cresilon Inc., a Brooklyn-based biotechnology company — is a plant-based hydrogel that comes in a pre-filled syringe, according to a press release.

First responders, paramedics and combat medics can use the gel to rapidly stop severe blood loss from wounds due to gunshots, stabbings or other traumatic events.

BLOOD BANKS SEARCHING FOR TYPE O BLOOD AMID EMERGENCY SHORTAGE: ‘WE ALWAYS HAVE A NEED’

Joe Landolina, Cresilon’s CEO and co-founder, invented the gel in his dorm room when he was a 17-year-old chemical and bioengineering student at NYU.

There are currently many gauzes, powders and sponges used to stop bleeding, but they have limitations, according to Landolina.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved TRAUMAGEL, a novel treatment that is designed to stop severe bleeding in a matter of seconds. (Cresilon, Inc.)

“Compared to TRAUMAGEL, these products are difficult to apply into wounds, as they must be packed physically into a bullet wound by a first responder, which is painful and highly risky,” he told Fox News Digital via email.

TRAUMAGEL, which is “the color and texture of hummus,” works by instantly creating a mechanical barrier against bleeding at the site of the wound, Landolina said.

YOUNG GIRL SURVIVES CANCER THANKS TO LITTLE SISTER’S LIFESAVING DONATION: ‘A PERFECT MATCH’

“That barrier then allows the patient to quickly produce their own natural clot that doesn’t become incorporated with TRAUMAGEL, allowing TRAUMAGEL to then be removed without disturbing the clot.”

The gel is supposed to be removed within 24 hours.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, confirmed that this is the first gel-based hemostatic agent to be cleared for use in the U.S. to stop bleeding.

The product appears to be a “major step forward” in managing acute bleeding in the field — “even including head trauma and military uses [in combat], as well as gunshot and knifing wounds outside of combat,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.

TRAUMAGEL is made by Cresilon Inc., a Brooklyn-based biotechnology company. (Cresilon Inc.)

“The advantages are that it is plant-based and works very rapidly without a lot of protocol or preparation,” he said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“Also, it can be squirted from a syringe to get it into ‘nooks and crannies,’ and doesn’t require external pressure.”

Severe blood loss in traumatic wounds can kill in a matter of minutes, and is responsible for more than 35% of all pre-hospital deaths, studies show.

Severe blood loss in traumatic wounds can kill in a matter of minutes, and is responsible for more than 35% of all pre-hospital deaths. (iStock)

Up to 60% of hemorrhage deaths occur within the first three hours of injury.

The product is slated to launch in the U.S. in late 2024, according to the company.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

Cresilon will target the U.S. military, trauma hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and medical professionals who treat traumatic wounds, the company states.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Health

The health benefits of matcha, packed with antioxidants, may be worth incorporating into your diet

Published

16 hours ago

August 20, 2024

Press Room

The health benefits of matcha, packed with antioxidants, may be worth incorporating into your diet

When you walk into your favorite café for breakfast or to grab a morning coffee, you’ll likely spot a matcha option on the menu, too.

Matcha has origins in China and became extremely popular in Japan.

More recently, it’s become a drink of choice in many other countries, including the United States.

COFFEE VS. MATCHA TEA: WHAT DOES YOUR MORNING DRINK CHOICE SAY ABOUT YOU?

Matcha, which is green, offers consumers earthy notes in every sip. It’s a type of powered green tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is similar to green tea.

What really makes matcha different is the way the plant is grown, being protected by the shade leading up to its harvesting. When the plant is harvested, its stems and veins are removed, and the entire leaf is turned into a fine powder.

Matcha is full of health benefits that make it a popular beverage to drink before a busy day. (iStock)

Matcha can be consumed in a variety of ways, most commonly in the form of a beverage. In order to make matcha tea, which can be enjoyed hot or iced, simply mix the powder into your water. You can also combine matcha powder with milk, for more of a latte-type drink.

Alternatively, you can include matcha powder in baked goods or sprinkle it over oatmeal or a healthy acai bowl.

Matcha isn’t famous for its taste alone, it’s also popular for its health benefits.

Matcha can be served hot or iced. You can buy matcha from your local café or make it yourself at home. (iStock)

Some of the health benefits, which are thought to stem from consumption, are as follows:

Full of antioxidants
Enhanced brain function
Protects the liver

1. Full of antioxidants

Matcha is full of antioxidants, including catechins, which are plant compounds found in green tea that act as natural antioxidants, according to Healthline.

The high amount of antioxidants found in matcha can be attributed to the fact that the whole leaf is turned into a fine powder, differentiating it from other green teas, which are usually brewed from the leaves.

The high level of antioxidants in matcha may help prevent cell damage and lower risk for certain diseases, according to WebMD.

2. Enhanced brain function

In a study published in 2017 by PubMed per the National Library of Medicine, a group of 23 individuals were examined for how they performed different tasks aimed at measuring brain performance.

Some of the individuals were given four grams of matcha in tea or a bar, while the control group had a placebo.

Matcha is prepared differently than the typical tea, being directly stirred into water instead of seeped. (iStock)

The study found that those who consumed four grams of matcha had improvements in attention, reaction time and memory compared to those that were given a placebo.

Further studies are needed to solidify the idea that matcha improves brain function, as scientists have noted that the enhanced brain function could be a result of the caffeine in matcha, according to WebMD.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

An average cup of matcha contains about 19 to 45 milligrams of caffeine per gram, which is about 38 to 176 milligrams of caffeine per cup on average, according to Healthline.

For comparison, a cup of coffee has about 70 to 140 milligrams per brewed cup, according to the source.

Matcha does contain caffeine, with the average cup ranging from between 38 and 176 milligrams. (iStock)

3. Protecting the liver

Matcha and green tea could reduce your risk of liver disease.

In 2015, a review published by PubMed Central was done of 15 studies that found drinking green tea was associated with a decreased risk of liver disease.

In 2020, experts noted that the protective properties of matcha for the liver benefit those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat builds in the liver, by reducing liver enzymes, but could have the opposite impact in those without NAFLD, according to Heathline.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Before trying to incorporate anything new into your diet, including matcha, always start with small amounts, so you know how your body will react.

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital.