BATON ROUGE — CDC officials are sounding the alarm on parvovirus B-19, a respiratory virus making a comeback in the United States.

Parvovirus has been around for decades, but infections are increasing, especially among children aged 5 to 9.

The virus can cause serious complications for those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or have a blood disorder. For children, flu-like symptoms are common and are sometimes followed by a distinctive facial rash called “slapped-cheek disease.”

In adults, joint pain is the most common symptom and it can last for days or even weeks.