No, humans can’t get parvovirus from dogs

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs and other canines. If left untreated, it can lead to septic shock or death. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite and lethargy. 

Google Trends show people are searching for information about a parvovirus infection spreading among humans. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a health advisory about an increase in cases of parvovirus B19 in the U.S. 

Multiple people on X responded to the news wondering how humans can get the parvovirus known to infect dogs. One person wrote, “I thought only Dogs got Parvo virus, it must have made the jump to humans.”

THE QUESTION

Can humans get parvovirus from dogs?

THE SOURCES

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Mayo Clinic
• Cleveland Clinic
• American Veterinary Medical Association

THE ANSWER

No, humans cannot get parvovirus from dogs. The parvovirus strain known to infect dogs and other animals is not the same one that infects humans.

WHAT WE FOUND

Humans can get parvovirus, but it’s not the same strain that infects dogs and other animals. People cannot get parvovirus from their pets, nor can they give their pets the virus, the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic explain.

Canine parvovirus is caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and “attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other canids like coyotes, wolves and foxes,” the American Veterinary Medical Association says. 

Canine parvovirus is typically spread through direct contact with an infected dog, its feces or a contaminated surface, the AVMA adds.

The parvovirus that infects humans is parvovirus B19. This version of the virus can be spread “through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes” or “through blood or contaminated blood products,” Cleveland Clinic says.

Parvovirus B19 most commonly impacts elementary school-aged children, according to Mayo Clinic. It’s usually asymptomatic or mild. But people who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have certain blood disorders are more susceptible to complications, like severe anemia, Mayo Clinic says.

Symptoms of a parvovirus B19 infection can include headaches, low-grade fever and upset stomach. In children, parvovirus can also cause fifth disease, which results in a pink or red rash on the cheeks. This typically appears four to 14 days after infection and can last for several weeks, Cleveland Clinic says. People are no longer contagious once a rash appears.

Parvovirus typically goes away on its own without any treatment. The Cleveland Clinic recommends drinking fluids, resting and treating any headaches or pain with acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, like ibuprofen, if necessary. 

While there is no vaccine for parvovirus B19, someone who is infected with the virus will have lifelong immunity, the Mayo Clinic says. 

The CDC recommends those with preexisting conditions, such as people who are pregnant or immunocompromised, seek medical care if they suspect they have been exposed to the virus and use preventative measures, like wearing a mask when around other people.

This story is also available in Spanish / Lee este artículo también en español: No, los humanos no pueden contagiarse de parvovirus a través de perros