Canine parvovirus, a highly contagious canine virus, is in the news after an outbreak was reported in Australia's Illawarra. The Warrawong, Figtree, Yallah, and Dapto regions have reported parvovirus, which has claimed the lives of pet dogs across all age groups, Australian media reports said. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the most risk as the virus can spread indirectly as well. Sadly, there is no specific cure for parvovirus in dogs and puppies.
Parvovirus attacks the bone marrow and destroys the lining of the small intestine, which can lead to a tough last few days for the animals by causing vomiting, severe diarrhoea, and chronic dehydration, before shock and heart failure claim their lives. There is an incubation period (usually three to seven days) in which the dog is infected with parvovirus but not yet showing symptoms. Once parvovirus has multiplied and entered the bloodstream, the virus will seek out other sources of rapidly dividing cells.
How dogs catch parvovirus?
Faeces of infected dogs can spread parvovirus, and the microbes can remain in the soil for up to two years. Even weather changes will not exterminate them from the soil, and routine cleaning will not help, reports showed. If an infected animal's faeces get stuck on boots or the paws of another animal, they are transferred to new places—which can lead to more animals being affected.
Affected animals need to be isolated, and veterinarians treating them have to wear masks and other protective gear in order to ensure the disease is not spread to other animals.
Should humans be worried?
Humans cannot get parvovirus from dogs, and dogs cannot get parvovirus from people. In humans, the illness is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. It is most common in children and spreads easily through the air and between people. "Most illnesses caused by parvovirus B19 are mild. People who are pregnant, have weakened immune systems, or have blood conditions may need treatment."
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"Children with parvovirus infections often get a face rash. It can look like a slapped cheek. The rash is a symptom of an illness related to parvovirus infections called fifth disease. The rash is red on white skin; it is purplish and harder to see on brown or Black skin. Adults with parvovirus may have joint problems," the Mayo Clinic states regarding the viral disease.