RSV cases doubled as of this week compared to May
Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, have doubled since it was first recorded in May.
The data was confirmed during a press conference with the Department of Health today, whereas 33 positive cases were confirmed in May.
However, as of June 26, cases increased to 185 patients, primarily children. Epidemiologist Dr Scott Anesi made this announcement yesterday.
Head of the Pediatric Department at LBJ Hospital, Dr. Maria Guyapa, during the two weeks that Day Care Centers were closed to help stop the spread of RSV, the number of positive cases hasn’t dropped.
According to Dr Gayaba the number of children admitted with RSV has remained steady, and approximately 43% of the RSV cases in the last four days require intensive care treatment by Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation or Oxygen therapy to support breathing and aim for recovery from the RSV pneumonia.
“We have many cases testing positive for RSV and needing more care and oxygen support.
“In the previous year, when the RSV outbreak and Day Care Centers were closed for two weeks, we had a rapid drop of cases coming in, and we hardly had any moderate to severe cases.
However, the admitted patients need oxygen support, and the age group mainly affected is less than one-year-old."
Yesterday the DHSS Director Muavaefa’atasi John E. Suisala advised parents and the general public that all childcare facilities will remain closed, and once this changes, we will inform the public immediately.
Lieutenant Governor Talauega E. V. Ale approved maintaining the closures based on the latest recommendation from the Department of Health and the LBJ due to the number of children who continue to present with symptoms of the highly contagious Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms (runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing).
Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be severe, especially for infants and older adults. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support for the continued protection of the health and safety of all children. For more information, please call the Child Care Division at 633-CARE (2273) or 1571.