parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

1

: any of a family (Parvoviridae) of single-stranded DNA viruses that include the causative agents of fifth disease in humans, panleukopenia in cats, and parvovirus in dogs

2

: a highly contagious febrile virus disease of dogs that is spread especially by contact with infected feces, that is caused by a strain (Canine parvovirus) of the parvovirus causing panleukopenia in cats, and that is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The dogs were turned over to animal control and some had even tested positive for parvovirus, which can be fatal in dogs if untreated, Fox News reports. —Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2023

Your dog might have the flu, which is typically a mild illness, or parvovirus, which can be quite serious. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022

In fact, there are a number of diseases that humans can pass to dogs, including the parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2022

Canine parvovirus spreads through fecal matter and includes symptoms such tiredness, loss of appetite and diarrhea. —Greg Norman, Fox News, 26 Aug. 2022

For example, the highly contagious parvovirus is transmitted by contact with infected dog waste and can sicken dogs of any age or breed. —Dallas News, 3 May 2022

Symptoms of parvovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2022

Parvo -- canine parvovirus, technically -- is an extremely contagious virus affecting dogs, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2022

The animals died in Otsego County after exhibiting canine parvovirus symptoms, including throwing up and bloody stool, the county's animal shelter said on social media. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 23 Aug. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin parvus small (akin to Greek pauros small, paid-, pais child) + New Latin -o- + virus — more at few

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

1

a

capitalized : a genus of single-stranded DNA viruses of the family Parvoviridae that includes the causative agents of panleukopenia in cats and fifth disease in humans

b

: any virus of the family Parvoviridae and especially of the genus Parvovirus

2

: a highly contagious febrile disease of canines and especially dogs that is caused by a virus of the genus Parvovirus (species Canine parvovirus), is spread especially by contact with infected feces, and is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

called also canine parvovirus, parvo