Local health watchers explain how dangerous human parvovirus B19 can be [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now) -The CDC is warning people about human parvovirus activity in the United States, and local health organizations are staying ahead of it.

Human parvovirus B19 is a respiratory infection with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and a rash on the face in kids with a “slapped cheek” look.

Yet, it’s not often monitored in the United States.

The media relations coordinator for OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Matt Sheehan, said it can spread through droplets and is mostly seen in children.

The main concern is for pregnant women as they can pass it to the fetus if infected.

“Populations that are at-risk are those who are immunocompromised, those with a blood disorder, and sickle-cell anemia,” said Sheehan.

Additionally, Sheehan said that no recent cases have been reported at OSF.

He added that this is a “self-limiting illness” that goes away with time and suggested hydration, good hand hygiene, and good sleep to …