A respiratory disease known as parvovirus B19 is on the rise in the U.S. among all age groups, according to a recent advisory from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC issued the health alert on Aug. 13 after European public health authorities reported “unusually” high numbers of cases in 14 countries during the first quarter of 2024, the advisory said.

The virus typically causes a blotchy rash on the cheeks that appears as if someone has slapped them — hence its nickname, “slapped cheek disease.”

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“Parvovirus can be a very mild infection in many people, but if you are pregnant or are immunocompromised in any way, you are at a much greater risk of serious illness,” Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

What is parvovirus B19?

Parvovirus B19 is a virus that can be easily spread by respiratory droplets in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the CDC. 

Children are often infected at school and spread it to other kids through close personal contact, then later to adults when they come home, experts say.

Approximately 50% of people who were not previously infected contract the virus from an infected family member — while 20% to 50% of susceptible students and staff become infected during school outbreaks, the advisory notes.

“The virus is highly contagious and can spread asymptomatically,” Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.

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Parvovirus B12 is also known as “fifth disease” because it was previously listed fifth on a list of common childhood viral illnesses that cause rashes, according to Mayo Clinic.

(The top three on this list are measles, rubella and scarlet fever.)

Symptoms of the virus

Many people who get infected don’t have symptoms, but some will experience sickness, according to the advisory.

About a week after an exposure, susceptible children may complain of flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle pain and fatigue, which generally last less than a week.

People are most contagious in this early phase of the illness.

The virus typically causes a blotchy rash on the cheeks that appears as if someone has slapped them — hence the nickname “slapped cheek disease.” (iStock)

Several days after the fever starts, children often develop the hallmark blotchy “slapped cheek” rash — a helpful clue that health care providers use to diagnose the illness. 

People are generally not infectious by the time they develop the rash, experts say.

A fine, “lacy” rash may follow on the chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs that is sometimes itchy, according to the CDC. It usually goes away in about a week to 10 days.

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Adults are less likely to develop the “slapped cheek” rash. Their most common symptoms are a generalized rash on the body and joint pain that affects the hands, feet and knees.

In some cases, adults only experience joint pain, which usually lasts one to three weeks – although it can last for months. It usually resolves without long-term complications.

Antibodies provide immunity

Antibodies from prior infection help prevent recurrence of parvovirus B12, the CDC said.

“Once infected, you have a lifetime immunity,” Siegel noted.

The largest increase in infections was among children ages 5 to 9. 

Most adults in the United States are immune — with 50% having detectable antibody levels by age 20, and more than 70% acquiring them by age 40, per the advisory.

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The share of people who have had a recent infection dropped below 3% between 2022 and 2024, but increased to 10% in June of this year.

The largest increase in infections was among children ages 5 to 9, going from 15% to 40% in that time frame, the health alert noted.

People who work in settings with close contact with children, such as schools and day cares, are at a greater risk of infection.

High-risk populations

Most healthy adults and children only have a mild illness, but people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and those with chronic blood disorders can develop serious health complications from this virus, according to the CDC.

“Anyone with those conditions should be very quick to seek out medical attention to help address potential complications,” Glatt noted.

Pregnant women who are susceptible to the virus may spread the illness to their babies, the CDC warned. (iStock)

Pregnant women who are susceptible to the virus may spread the illness to their babies, the CDC warned.

“Unfortunately, there is an increased risk of miscarriage if you get parvovirus during pregnancy,” Glatt said.

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Parvovirus infection may lead to adverse outcomes — such as severe anemia in the fetus and miscarriage — in 5% to 10% of cases during pregnancy, with the highest risk at between 9 and 20 weeks of fetal gestation, per the advisory.

While parvovirus B19 can affect humans of all ages, only two out of 10 individuals will have physical symptoms. (iStock)

“There is an increased risk of complications in patients with significant immunocompromising conditions, such as those who have leukemia, have received an organ transplant or have an HIV infection,” Glatt added.

Since most adults are immune to the virus, however, many pregnant women are protected from the virus, the CDC noted.

Treatment is mainly ‘supportive care’

Infected pregnant women primarily receive supportive care, which means treating the underlying symptoms and monitoring for severe fetal anemia, according to the advisory.

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People with weakened immune systems or those with chronic blood disorders can sometimes develop bone marrow failure as a result of the virus, the advisory added. 

In that case, treatment often includes blood cell transfusions and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

People are generally not infectious by the time they develop the rash, experts say. (iStock)

(IVIG is a collection of antibodies that strengthens the immune system, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.)

There is currently no vaccine to prevent parvovirus B19, and most people infected with the virus will recover without any long-term complications.

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“While there is no specific treatment for parvovirus infection, recognizing the complications and addressing them early may be of benefit,” Glatt added.

Hand-washing can also help to prevent transmission, according to Siegel.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted marketing authorization for the first at-home syphilis test.

The over-the-counter First To Know Syphilis Test, made by NOWDiagnostics in Arkansas, detects antibodies for Treponema pallidum (syphilis), according to a press release.

The test, which does not require a prescription, takes about 15 minutes to administer using only a drop of blood — “like a finger prick,” the company said.

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Results will be positive for those experiencing a current syphilis infection — as well as for those who have been previously diagnosed, even if they were successfully treated.

The test results are not sufficient to diagnose syphilis alone, however, and should be followed by additional testing from a provider to confirm the diagnosis, according to the FDA.

A clinical study of 1,270 people found the product “easy to use,” a press release from NOWDiagnostics noted.

The study results showed that the test correctly identified 99.5% of negative results and 93.4% of positive diagnoses.

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“With FDA authorization now granted, we are proud to offer the first test of its kind that provides highly accurate results in just minutes, using a single drop of blood and without the need for a buffer,” NOWDiagnostics CEO Rob Weigle told Fox News Digital via email. 

“This breakthrough in diagnostic testing empowers individuals to take control of their health from the privacy of their own home, playing a critical role in early detection and treatment, and ultimately helping to slow the spread of syphilis and protect public health.”

“This is a great advance and has been vetted for accuracy,” one doctor commented. (NOWDx)

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier said she considers at-home tests to be “great,” as they often lead to more people being tested who would not otherwise visit the doctor.

“Anything that increases access to health information while also being cost-effective is a positive step in the right direction,” the New York-based doctor told Fox News Digital.

Efforts to stop the surge

There has been a major rise in syphilis cases in the U.S. over the last few years.

Cases spiked by 80% between 2018 and 2022, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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In 2022, more than 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis were reported among newborns, the agency stated.

Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services established the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic (NSCSS) Federal Task Force to help combat the surging numbers.

Study results showed that the test correctly identified 99.5% of negative results and 93.4% of positive diagnoses. (iStock; NOWDx)

In addition to the task force, the FDA assured that the authorization of this new at-home test will help to “reverse the recent dramatic rise of STIs in the United States.”

“If left untreated, syphilis can seriously damage the heart and brain and can cause blindness, deafness and paralysis,” the FDA wrote in the press release. 

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“When transmitted during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage, lifelong medical issues and infant death.”

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital that these advancements could also play into the CDC’s new program, DOXY PEP, which aims to prevent “post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.”

“When transmitted during pregnancy, [syphilis] can cause miscarriage, lifelong medical issues and infant death.”

The program has been shown to “markedly decrease clinical infection,” said New York-based Siegel.

Siegel called the new syphilis test “especially important,” as “the earlier syphilis exposure/diagnosis is made the better.”

The authorization of the new at-home test will help to “reverse the recent dramatic rise of STIs in the United States,” the FDA stated. (iStock)

Michelle Tarver, M.D., PhD, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, wrote in a statement that advancements in tests for STIs can “give patients more information about their health from the privacy of their own home.” 

“Access to home tests may help increase initial screening for syphilis, including in individuals who may be reluctant to see their health care provider about possible sexually transmitted infection exposure,” she said.

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This can lead to increased lab testing to confirm the diagnosis, Tarver added, which can increase treatment and help curb the spread.

The FDA confirmed that false negative results may occur, which can cause delays in treatment and further spread of the infection. (iStock)

Saphier added that as syphilis cases rise, it’s “disappointing to see so many advanced cases of a disease that is otherwise treatable.” 

“While prevention is always the best method, early detection and treatment intervention are essential to not only result in the best health outcome, but also decrease the overall cost burden on society — because advanced disease and disability are expensive,” she said. 

Potential limitations

Saphier shared some concerns about using at-home tests in detecting illness, as they are “often lower in accuracy than standardized laboratory testing.”

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“This may result in false negative results and a person who otherwise may require treatment not seeking it,” she said. 

“If someone is [at] high risk for syphilis exposure or having symptoms, they should skip the at-home testing and speak to their doctor.”

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The FDA confirmed that false negative results may occur, which could cause delays in treatment.

Congenital syphilis symptoms include sores and rashes on the skin, fever, jaundice, sneezing or runny nose and swollen spleen and liver, according to Mayo Clinic. (iStock)

“Results of the test alone should not be used to start, stop or change any treatments without a health care provider,” the FDA wrote in the press release.

“If someone is [at] high risk for syphilis exposure or having symptoms, they should skip the at-home testing and speak to their doctor.”

“In addition, individuals using this test who may have been recently exposed to syphilis should seek care from a health care provider for treatment and evaluation regardless of this test’s results.”

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Congenital syphilis symptoms include sores and rashes on the skin, fever, jaundice, sneezing or runny nose, and swollen spleen and liver, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.

If left untreated, later symptoms can include hearing loss, dental problems and “saddle nose,” a condition in which the bridge of the nose collapses.

Nearly half of all U.S. counties don’t have a practicing cardiologist on staff, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).

Rural communities are most affected, with Americans in those areas dying earlier and more often from heart disease that could have been prevented, according to a May report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The study, led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, analyzed over 3,100 counties.

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Forty-six percent of the counties did not have access to cardiologists — meaning that 22 million residents would not have access to heart-related health care.

When looking just at rural counties, more than 86% of them did not have a cardiologist.

“While cardiologists are not the only determinants of cardiovascular outcomes, the lack of access to cardiologists in areas with greater prevalence of heart disease and mortality is incredibly concerning,” said senior author Haider J. Warraich, M.D., director of the heart failure program at VA Boston Healthcare and an associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in a press release.

How does this impact patients?

In counties without a cardiologist, patients have to travel an average of 87.1 miles to get the care they need, the study found.  

“When a patient is having a heart attack, time matters,” said Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, a Cincinnati-based company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide.

In the counties without a cardiologist, patients have to travel an average of 87.1 miles to get the care they need, the study found.   (iStock)

“If a patient is unlucky enough to have a heart attack in a rural area, without cardiology services, they are sometimes transferred via ambulance or helicopter, but this takes time while the heart is dying.”

In some cases, these patients receive high-risk medications called thrombolytics to help stop the heart attack, according to Serwer, who was not involved in the new study.  

“Thrombolytics are an inferior option to treat heart attacks compared to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as stenting,” Serwer said. 

“When a patient is having a heart attack, time matters.”

“Thrombolytics are a last resort when transfers are not possible or will take too long, as they are still better than the alternatives.”

Patients in rural counties have a higher age-adjusted cardiovascular mortality rate — on average, they live one year less than their urban cohorts, according to Serwer.

Why the lack of cardiologists?

Several factors may contribute to the scarcity of heart specialists in rural areas, according to Serwer.

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“Cardiologists train in academic hospitals with a wide network of colleagues, specialists and sub-specialists,” he told Fox News Digital.

“When they finish training, many of them want to join a large group practice or hospital practice, as there is comfort working alongside other cardiologists who can provide mentorship and guidance, especially early in one’s career.”

“These deficiencies cause a delay in care and can mean the difference between life and death,” a cardiologist said. (iStock)

Many cardiologists are unwilling to leave an urban environment to move to a remote location, he noted, particularly if they have children who need access to more schooling options.

Cardiologists in rural areas are also more likely to be overworked, Serwer said, due to the fact that the community may only have one or two heart specialists. Often, the community doesn’t have subspecialists such as CT surgeons, electrophysiologists or interventional cardiologists. 

“These factors ultimately lead to less time with the family and an unfavorable work/life balance,” the cardiologist said.

Another challenge is that rural facilities require a complex system to transfer patients for a higher level of care, he went on.  

“Inpatient and critical care beds at tertiary medical centers are hard to find,” Serwer said. “These deficiencies cause a delay in care and can mean the difference between life and death, which takes an emotional toll on rural health care providers.”

“Understand the importance of cardiac risk factor modification with healthy lifestyle, exercise, diet and medication compliance,” a cardiologist advised. (iStock)

There are also reimbursement considerations, as many rural hospitals don’t have the financial ability to pay their doctors adequately, according to Serwer.

There is also a great need for anesthesiologists in rural counties, he added. 

“Nearly every hospital procedure requires an anesthesiologist, whether it’s cardiology, OB, orthopedics or general surgery.”

What needs to happen?

Solving the rural health care dilemma should start with greater awareness and a better understanding of the issues and limitations, according to Serwer.  

One option is to set up “creative staffing models” to cover more parts of the country.”

“We need to reduce the hurdles and increase the incentive for physicians, nurses, technologists and administrators to provide rural health care,” he told Fox News Digital.

One option is to set up “creative staffing models” to cover more parts of the country, said Serwer.

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His company, VitalSolution, partners with rural facilities to provide long-term coverage for cardiologists, nurse anesthetists, nurses and cath lab technicians. 

“Our physicians work seven days on and then get seven days off,” he said.

“This unique model allows our physicians to work where they are needed and live wherever they want — it’s a win/win for physicians and community hospitals.”

Technology-based clinical support — such as telemedicine — should also be used on a wider basis, a cardiologist recommended. (iStock)

Technology-based clinical support — such as telemedicine — should also be used on a wider basis, Serwer recommended.

“We also need more governmental financial support for rural community hospitals and incentives for physicians, nurses, technologists and administrators,” he said.

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Another option is to promote rural health care while in medical school by requiring rotations in those communities, the cardiologist said. 

“These rural rotations can be very rewarding, and can help young physicians gain a more comprehensive understanding of the practice of medicine.”

“Establish a relationship with a primary care provider and know more about your chronic medical conditions,” a doctor advised.  (iStock)

The study researchers also called for policy changes to expand internet availability for telemedicine access and to broaden health insurance coverage.

Managing modifiable risk factors for heart disease could also help to reduce risk in rural communities, they stated.

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“This study underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and innovative solutions, such as financial incentives for clinicians and the expanded use of telemedicine, to bridge this gap,” said Harlan M. Krumholz, M.D., editor-in-chief of JACC, in the release. 

“Ensuring equitable access to cardiovascular care is a crucial step toward improving overall public health outcomes and reducing preventable cardiovascular mortality.”

Short-term fixes

For patients who are currently living in one of the cardiac care “deserts,” Serwer recommended becoming familiar with the medical care that is available.  

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“Establish a relationship with a primary care provider and know more about your chronic medical conditions,” he advised. 

“Understand the importance of cardiac risk factor modification with healthy lifestyle, exercise, diet and medication compliance,” he also said.

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Those who have a cardiac condition should make a plan of where and how to seek cardiac care if needed, the doctor said.

“They can also write to their elected officials to ask them to do more to supplement the existing health care infrastructure,” Serwer added.

Two surprising new risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are noted in a new study.

Untreated vision loss and high levels of LDL cholesterol have been linked to a greater chance of developing the common dementia type.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is sometimes called “bad cholesterol,” is associated with negative health effects when present in high amounts. 

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Researchers from University College London led the study, published in The Lancet on Aug. 10.

The findings were also presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia on July 31.

Vision loss and high LDL cholesterol join a list of 12 other risk factors the researchers previously identified in 2020.

Those 12 are hearing loss, lower education, smoking, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, depression, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, traumatic brain injury and social isolation.

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To identify the two new risk factors, the researchers analyzed dozens of recent studies on vision loss and high cholesterol.

The 14 total factors are responsible for roughly half of dementia cases globally, the researchers stated, which means eliminating them could potentially prevent many cases.

About half of all Alzheimer’s cases can be attributed to 14 total factors, the researchers stated. (iStock)

“Some dementia risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and physical exercise, can be managed by changing your lifestyle, but many must be addressed on a societal level,” Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society in the U.K., said in a press release. 

(The study was partly funded by the Alzheimer’s Society.)

“Social isolation, education inequalities and air pollution are beyond individuals’ control and require public health interventions and joint action between government and industry.”

“I tell patients all the time, ‘if it’s healthy for the heart, it’s healthy for the brain.’”

Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, was not involved in the study but said it “substantiates a lot of things we have known about dementia for several years.”

He told Fox News Digital, “The study in Lancet shows higher levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) — which is often related to diet and lifestyle choices — is related to a greater chance of developing a dementia process.”

To prevent vision loss, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting regular eye exams. (iStock)

“Genetic factors can play a role in elevated levels of LDL — however, even in these patients, diet modifications can be beneficial as well.”

The neurologist was also not surprised by the link between vision loss and development of dementia. 

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“We have known for years that patients who have higher levels of education and are ‘well-read’ often develop dementia at a much later age,” Murray said. 

“We rely heavily upon eyesight to be able to engage in our surroundings as well as stimulate cognitive thought.” 

Reducing the risk

In his practice, Murray said, he is often asked about ways to prevent or reduce the risk of developing dementia at a later age. 

“Patients have a good understanding of what a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle look like,” he told Fox News Digital. 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is sometimes called “bad cholesterol,” is associated with negative health effects when present in high amounts.  (iStock)

The brain is a “very vascular organ,” the doctor pointed out — which means it is closely linked to the heart.

“I tell patients all the time, ‘If it’s healthy for the heart, it’s healthy for the brain,’” Murray said.

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“This not only includes dietary changes, such as lower fat/lower cholesterol diets, but also lifestyle modifications, such as smoking and alcohol cessation.”

There is also evidence that the Mediterranean diet can be beneficial in delaying the onset of dementia, Murray noted. 

“Regular exercise is beneficial from a vascular standpoint, and can also help from a mental standpoint,” a neurologist said. (iStock)

“Regular exercise is beneficial from a vascular standpoint, and can also help from a mental standpoint,” he added.

Participating in cognitively stimulating activities is also known to delay the potential onset of dementia, according to Murray.

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“I tell my patients to find some cognitively challenging activity they enjoy, whether that’s working puzzles or reading challenging books,” he said. 

“These activities can maintain a higher level of cognitive abilities and retard the onset of dementia.”

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to protect vision and promote heart health, doctors say. (iStock)

To prevent vision loss, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting regular eye exams, wearing protective eye wear in high-risk environments and wearing sunglasses to prevent exposure to UV rays.

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Knowing your family’s eye health history, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and avoiding smoking can also prevent vision loss, the agency added.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers and the Alzheimer’s Society for additional comment.

A patient filed a lawsuit against Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, over allegations the hospital lost part of his skull that was removed during surgery.

Fernando Cluster said he underwent brain surgery at Emory University Hospital in Midtown in September 2022 after suffering a stroke, according to Atlanta News First.

The surgery required the removal of a piece of Cluster’s skull called the bone flap, the outlet reported.

Cluster returned to the hospital for a follow-up surgery scheduled for November 2022 to reattach the bone flap but, the lawsuit claims, the hospital was unable to locate his bone flap when he arrived.

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“‘There were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification’ and therefore, Emory ‘could not be certain which if any of these belonged to Mr. Cluster,'” the lawsuit reads, according to the report.

Since the hospital allegedly failed to find Cluster’s bone flap, a synthetic replacement had to be made, which forced him to stay in the hospital for an additional 12 days while the synthetic replacement was made, according to the lawsuit.

The synthetic replacement became infected, which required Cluster to undergo another surgery, the lawsuit said.

Cluster was charged for the additional surgeries and time he had to stay in the hospital. He claims he incurred $146,000 in medical expenses after his treatment.

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Fernando Cluster said he incurred $146,000 in medical expenses after his treatment. (Getty Images)

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The lawsuit accuses Emory of negligence and said the hospital “failed to exercise ordinary and reasonable care,” which led to injury. The lawsuit also said Cluster suffered “physical and emotional pain” and has been unable to work following the error.

Cluster is seeking compensation for injuries and damages.

The hospital said it would not comment on pending litigation, but said “Emory Healthcare is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for patients and those we serve in our communities,” according to Atlanta News First.