Increase in Human Parvovirus B19 Activity in the United States

Date:8/15/2024
Official Message No.:112167-8-15-2024-PHAD
Contact Info: Nagla | Nagla.Bayoumi@doh.nj.gov
Kim | Kim.Cervantes@doh.nj.gov
Attachments: Yes Attachment 1

The CDC issued a Health Advisory through the CDC Health Alert Network to provide information to clinicians and health departments about increases in human parvovirus B19 (Erythema infectiosum, or fifth disease) across the United States. The following are important reminders:

·       Healthcare providers should be aware of increasing parvovirus B19 activity and identify people at higher risk of severe parvovirus B19 outcomes.

·       Individuals should be recommended to seek medical care if they:

o   are pregnant and have been exposed to a person with suspected or confirmed parvovirus B19 or you have signs and symptoms of parvovirus B19.

o   have a weakened immune system or a chronic hemolytic blood disorder including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and hereditary spherocytosis, and you have signs and symptoms of parvovirus B19.

·       Childcare and school providers should be made aware of parvovirus B19  including who may be at higher risk of severe parvovirus B19 illness.

·       Guidance for when children and staff can return to school following an infection can be found in the  General Guidelines for the Control of Outbreaks in School and Childcare Settings School Exclusion List under Fifth Disease.  Additional resources can be found on the New Jersey Department of Health Fifth Disease webpage.

·       As a reminder, individual cases of parvovirus B19 are not reportable. Suspect and/or confirmed outbreaks of parvovirus B19 are immediately reportable to the local health department. If an outbreak is identified in a school or childcare setting, the facility can refer to Respiratory Virus Guidance for K-12 Schools, Youth Camps, and Early Care and Education Programs.

·       Please see the attached CDC Health Advisory for additional important information. 


This information has been broadcast to: Community Organizations; Community Health; Cultural Heritage; Faith-Based; Grass Roots; Human/Social Services; Other-Community Organizations; Educational Institutions; Colleges/Universities; Medical/Nursing; Other-Educational Institutions; School Administrators; School District Offices; School Food Service; School Nurses; Technical Schools; Emergency Medical Services / First Responders; Emergency Relief Organization; EMS; Fire; HAZMAT; OEM/County; OEM/Local; Other-First Responder/EMS; Police; Local & County Government; Business Administrators; Libraries; Mayors; Medical Examiners; Mosquito Control; Municipal Clerks; Other-Local and County Government; Public Works; Local Businesses; Chemical; Gas Stations; Horticulture; Meat/Poultry/Fish; Other-Local Business; Pest Control; Restaurants/Food Stores/Supermarkets; Local Media; Cable, TV, Radio, Print; Other-Local Media; Recreational Facilities; Other-Recreational Facilities; Parks/Campgrounds/Camps; State & Federal Government Facilities; Correctional Facilities; FBI; Military Facilities; Other-State and Fed. Govt Facilities; Post Offices; Transportation; Airports/Seaports; Bridges/Tunnels; Other-Transportation; Rail/Public Transportation; Utilities; Energy; Other-Utilities; Water Purveyors; Animal Health Professionals; Animal Control Officers; Animal Facilities; Other-Animal Health Professionals; Veterinarians; Community Health Centers(FQHCs); Health Care Facilities/Other; Ambulatory Care; Assisted Living; Hospices; Long-Term Care; Other- Health Care Facilities; Residential Substance Abuse Treatment; Urgent Care Centers; Health Care Providers; Dentists; Dermatologists; ICPs; Infectious Disease; Internist/Critical Care; Medical Society; Neurologists; Nurses; OB/GYNs; Occupational Med; Ophthalmologists; Other Specialties; Other-Health Care Providers; Pediatricians; Primary Care/Family Practice; Surgeons; _All Notifications; Local Boards of Health; Administration; Emergency; Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Infection Control; Medical Affairs/Staff ; Nursing/Patient Care Services; Security;