Abby Parks of Springfield School District Battles Parvovirus B19: Fifth Disease Alert Issued by CDC

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Abby Parks, a pregnant special education teacher in Springfield, Illinois, was diagnosed with parvovirus B19, also known as Fifth disease. The virus transmitted to her fetus, causing anemia, a serious condition that required a blood transfusion in utero. Pregnant women who contract Fifth disease are at risk of severe complications, including fetal death, because the virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. Cases of Fifth disease are on the rise in the U.S. and Europe, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue an alert to healthcare providers to watch for symptoms in pregnant women and individuals with sickle cell disease. Although most adults are immune to the virus, it can cause joint pain and anemia, leading to pregnancy complications. Pregnant women should notify their doctors immediately if they experience symptoms like joint pain, especially if they have been in contact with infected individuals. Ultimately, Fifth disease is generally mild in healthy individuals but can have severe consequences for pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.