Ohio: parvovirus outbreak in Hamilton County

Ohio health authorities have detected a parvovirus outbreak in Hamilton County. Cincinnati Health Department Commissioner Dr. Grant Mussman said the disease is typically mild but may be dangerous for people with blood disorders or weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, rashes, and joint pains. According to Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Dr. Kara Markham, parvovirus outbreaks are common among school-aged children who usually present flu-like symptoms. However, the infection is dangerous for pregnant women who could transmit the virus to their babies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that a pregnant woman affected by parvovirus could sometimes lose her baby.
Dr. Markham also said that severe anemia is possible in around 10% of babies who are infected before 20 weeks. The condition may cause fetal death. To prevent this, early detection is crucial, and doctors can use ultrasounds to monitor the babies’ health status, giving them blood if needed.