Parvovirus B19 — the highly contagious “slapped‑cheek” virus — is showing up in wastewater systems across the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento regions flanking Stockton. While no unusual activity has been reported in San Joaquin County, regional detections from the Bay Area to Sacramento suggest the virus is circulating more widely this spring.
The findings follow confirmation from California health officials that four residents were recently exposed to the Andes strain of the hantavirus in two regions that sit on either side of Stockton and the greater San Joaquin County corridor.
Parvovirus B19, which often causes mild flu‑like symptoms or a bright red facial rash in children, can pose higher risks for people who are pregnant or immunocompromised…