Posted on 01/25/2006 10:09:33 AM PST by UpTurn
The mystery rash and illness that has plagued thousands of people exposed to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina may have several names, and one of them is Parvovirus B-19.
The disease is nicknamed “Katrina Rash” and the “New Orleans Crud,” and has affected at least three Ruston-area first-responders who went to New Orleans to help in rescue and recovery efforts.
A Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, an Emergency Medical Technician and a Louisiana State Trooper all came down with variations of the ailment.
Missy Staples, a licensed vocational nurse from Glasgow, Ky., became ill after caring for a patient with similar symptoms. She says the ailment could become an epidemic.
“It is my belief that this mystery illness they speak of is Fifth’s Disease — a form of Parvo,” Staples said. “Yes, the same disease that kills dogs. Fifth’s Disease has the same characteristics these folks are suffering with and seems mysterious.”
Staples said human Parvo (Parvovirus B-19) usually strikes school-aged children and is easily cured — in childhood.
“Parvo is usually one of the viruses that hit school aged children, but with the conditions that were in New Orleans and the other hurricane-stricken areas, I feel it may be rampant,” Staples said. “And remember, the children were all removed from those areas. There were no children for the virus to hit. It has most likely changed itself to stay alive in the affected areas. Viruses replicate and change on a very quick basis to continue their lives, meaning it will be harder to kill out. What New Orleans and other areas need is a really hard, freezing winter, although I do realize the South is not usually frigidly cold in the winter.”
Lincoln Parish Coroner Dr. Allen Herbert agreed with Staples that if the affliction is Parvo, it could become
(Excerpt) Read more at rustonleader.com ...
LOL don't worry happens to the best of us! Actually when you asked the question, I began to question myself. If it weren't for WatchOutForSnakes' reply to you, I would have had to re read!
Thanks. I appreciate the kind words.
Well at least you admit unlike some at FR
Good for you
Fifth's? It was probably mono. Only people with AIDS, sickle cell disease, hereditary spirochaetosise, cancer or who are unborn have a tough time with Fifth's.
I had none of those, and I had a hell of a time with fifth's. Most people get it when they are babies and it's like a mild cold. But get it when you are older, and it can do a number on you.
At one point they did an EKG on me and announced that the current was running backward through my heart.
I am pinging this to read later. I know it has to be awful down there, and a tragedy for the entire state. Way more died than we will ever hear about. And more to come. This was not a one time event. It's ongoing and has no signs of getting better. Please keep us posted.
God Bless you Dear. As far as I can see; you are the only one that has cared about others; Putting yourself in their shoes. It is very concerning; ya know, do many really care and just do not know how to put it into words or is it; that they only care; if it effects them or someone close to them? Take care.
May God Bless you also. You care about others. Good Job!
Locals I know call it the Katrina Kreeping Krud.
I like that one best.
well maybe they can take the Hershey HWY. to San Francisco. :)-
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