Parvovirus, also known as Fifth disease, is a common childhood illness. It's usually mild, but can be serious for pregnant women and those with sickle cell disease.
Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and fatigue.
Most children recover fully from parvovirus. The rash is often the most noticeable symptom.
Parvovirus can be dangerous for pregnant women, potentially causing anemia in the fetus.
Meet Abby Parks, a pregnant woman who contracted parvovirus and faced serious complications.
Parvovirus can lead to fetal anemia, a condition where the fetus doesn't have enough red blood cells.
Abby's fetus required an in utero blood transfusion to survive.
The CDC has issued an alert to doctors to watch for signs of parvovirus.
Pregnant women and people with sickle cell disease are at higher risk for complications from parvovirus.
There's no vaccine for parvovirus. Prevention focuses on good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.