The end of the RS epidemic is in sight. “The peak is really over,” says pediatrician Karóly Illy to NU.nl. In December, intensive care units for children were still full and the situation was “dire”.
“The number of adults and children with the RS virus is continuing to decrease,” says Illy, who is also chairman of the Dutch Pediatric Association (NVK). Figures from the RIVM also show that the new number of cases has been falling since the beginning of January. “But we are not yet back at the low level of September,” says RIVM.
Currently, 104 people (adults and children) are tested positive for the RS virus every week. At the end of December there were still 560 per week. Anyone can get the RS virus, but adults are much less likely to end up in hospital. Young children, the elderly or adults with a condition or reduced resistance can become seriously ill due to an infection with the virus. (AP)