Title: Rising Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Among Children in Southeastern United States Sparks Concern
Subtitle: CDC warns of increased RSV infections during atypical time of the year
Date: [Current Date]
In a recent health advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted a concerning rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among young children in certain parts of the Southeastern United States. This seasonal virus, which typically occurs during the fall and winter months, has seen higher infection rates than usual, particularly in Florida and Georgia.
According to the CDC, recent data from Florida reveals that the three-week average of RSV test positivity has exceeded 5%, surpassing the threshold of 3% usually observed at the beginning of the RSV season. In Georgia, RSV-related hospitalizations among children under the age of 4 have increased from 2.0 per 100,000 to 7.0 per 100,000 within a two-week period ending on August 19. Alarmingly, the majority of these hospitalizations involved infants less than a year old.
The CDC has warned that such regional increases often indicate the beginning of the RSV season nationwide, with heightened RSV activity spreading north and west over the following months. This outbreak presents serious risks, especially for babies, young children, and older adults.
Interestingly, RSV appeared earlier than usual last year and peaked in October before declining in November. Experts suggested that this might have been due to reduced exposure between 2020 and 2022 related to pandemic lockdowns, or because many children born during the pandemic lacked exposure to the virus.
RSV symptoms typically manifest between four to six days after infection and include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and decreased appetite. Severity of the symptoms may vary among individuals and typically appear in stages.
According to the CDC, approximately 58,000 to 80,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized each year due to RSV, along with 60,000 to 160,000 adults aged 65 and older. Moreover, certain vulnerable groups such as premature infants, immunocompromised children, and those with congenital heart and lung diseases face an even higher risk of severe illness.
Despite the concerning situation, there is a silver lining this season as protection against RSV will be available to many Americans for the first time ever. Adults over the age of 60 will now be eligible to receive RSV vaccinations at major pharmacy chains such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens, similar to the flu shots.
Additionally, there is a new RSV drug called Beyfortus that has been recently approved for use in infants under eight months who will experience their first RSV season. High-risk infants may also be eligible for a second shot the following year. Beyfortus is a one-dose injected drug made of monoclonal antibodies that mimic the body’s natural immune response to infections.
Another potential RSV treatment currently awaiting CDC approval is an immunization available for pregnant women to help pass on protection to their newborns. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration last month, this approach aims to further safeguard vulnerable infants against RSV.
Public health officials continue to closely monitor the RSV situation and urge clinicians and caregivers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. As we navigate this RSV outbreak during an atypical period, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of our most vulnerable populations.
[Image Caption: Electron Micrograph Reveals The Morphologic Traits Of The Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV. (Photo by BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)]
ABC News’ Dr. Evgeniya Jenny Rakitina contributed to this report.