parvovirus
noun
par·vo·vi·rus
| \ ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs
\
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Definition of parvovirus
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
Examples of parvovirus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Humane Society of Huron Valley is warning Washtenaw County residents that cases of parvovirus and distemper, which can affect a variety of canines, are significantly up in the area this year. — Emma Keith, Detroit Free Press, "Here's how to protect your pets from parvo and distemper," 8 June 2019 The disease, which is believed to be a type of parvovirus, first began killing sea stars in Southern California in the summer of 2013, but the problem quickly spread northward. — Peter Fimrite, SFChronicle.com, "Starfish on California coast, nearly wiped out by mystery illness, make stunning recovery," 22 June 2018 But other viruses, including influenza and variola (pox) have been found in archaeological human remains as much as 400 years old, and Mühlemann says that others like herpes viruses, parvoviruses, and adenoviruses might be good candidates. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Genghis Khan’s Mongol horde probably had rampant Hepatitis B," 11 May 2018 Dogs Trust and other charities have warned that in addition to the very real danger of being rabid, these puppies could spread other diseases fatal to dogs, like parvovirus. — Mirren Gidda, Newsweek, "The Latest Illegal Business in the U.K. Is Dog Smuggling," 16 Jan. 2018 Deworming is also mandatory within 10 days of beginning the trip to Nome, and vaccinations (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella, rabies) must be current. — Stuart L. Nelson, Jr., Anchorage Daily News, "An inside look at Iditarod dog care," 28 Feb. 2018 Many have parvovirus, a disease that is often deadly to little lives that don’t have the immune systems to fight the things ravaging their bodies. — Maryanne Dell, Orange County Register, "Maryanne Dell: Why do the most vulnerable puppies suffer?," 13 May 2017 Risks If your foster carries a contagious disease like kennel cough or parvovirus, your other dogs may get sick. — Mary Helen Berg, USA TODAY, "Fostering an animal is a win-win for parents and pets," 13 May 2017 Less common types of arthritis include inflammatory (rheumatoid, psoriatic), metabolic (gout) and even infectious (Lyme, parvovirus). — Meredith Cohn, baltimoresun.com, "Those with arthritis can improve their symptoms with exercise," 14 June 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'parvovirus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for parvovirus
parvovirus
noun
par·vo·vi·rus
| \ ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs
\
\
Medical Definition of parvovirus
1a
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