09/06/2023

CDC Warns Rising Cases in Southeast Could be Start of U.S. RSV Season

RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among U.S. infants

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned doctors on Tuesday that a recent increase in cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in the Southeastern United States could mean additional cases throughout the country in the next two to three months.

The CDC also urged medical professionals to prepare to use the new prevention options approved this year for RSV, which is the leading cause of hospitalization among U.S. infants. Monoclonal antibody products can better protect infants and some young children at higher risk for severe cases of the disease, the agency said, while two new vaccines for the virus are available for adults ages 60 or older.

Infants, young children and older adults, especially those with medical conditions, are at increased risk of severe disease from RSV infection. Each year, the virus causes up to 80,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths in children under age 5, and 160,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths for adults age 65 and older, the agency estimates.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.