Abby Parks, a pregnant special education teacher in Illinois, contracted parvovirus B19, also known as Fifth disease, and passed it on to her fetus. Doctors gave the fetus a blood transfusion in utero to treat the resulting anemia, a dangerous condition. The CDC issued an alert to doctors about the rising cases of the virus, which is more common among children but can cause severe symptoms in adults, including joint pain and anemia. Pregnant women and people with sickle cell disease are at high risk. Symptoms of Fifth disease include a fever, respiratory symptoms, and a red rash on the cheeks and body. Pregnant women with symptoms should seek medical advice, especially if they have been in contact with infected individuals.
The virus was named Fifth disease in the early 1900s as part of a list of childhood rashes. Parks, now 30 weeks pregnant, is being closely monitored in the hospital. Overall, most cases of Fifth disease are mild, but pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems should be cautious. The rise in cases is not cause for alarm, but awareness among doctors and the public is important. Ultimately, Fifth disease can be severe for pregnant women and should be taken seriously.
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