The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has announced that the rate of detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has increased significantly.
The NICD has since issued a warning to doctors and hospitals to prepare for a rise in pediatric admissions.
RSV, according to public health agencies, is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in young children. It is highly contagious and is transmitted mainly by respiratory droplets.
Among children younger than five years of age, the NICD found that RSV detection rates are currently at a moderate level and continue to rise rapidly.
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“Compared to the circulation of RSV between 2014 and 2019, the detection rate of RSV appears to have increased in recent weeks, although it is within the range seen in the past,” the public health agency said.
Meanwhile, data on increased RSV circulation and increased RSV-related illnesses, including hospitalizations in children less than one year old from November to February have been reported in northern hemisphere countries.
“Maybe the RSV season in South Africa will follow the same trend.”
Preparation
“Clinicians, pediatric hospitals and intensive care units are warned to anticipate an increase in pediatric hospitalizations during the 2023 RSV season.”
In addition, healthcare providers are advised to prepare and allocate adequate resources to respond to a surge in RSV cases.
Doctors are also advised to consider RSV in the differential diagnosis for severe respiratory disease, especially in young children.
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“The majority of infants with RSV-related bronchiolitis do not require hospitalization, but certain children are at risk of severe disease (hospitalization).”
Meanwhile, babies younger than six months may experience severe illness, such as hypoxia, severe respiratory distress, inability to eat or apnea and require hospitalization.
“In young infants, irritability, decreased activity, and difficulty breathing may be the only symptoms.”
Risk factors for severe RSV-related disease include prematurity, congenital heart disease, premature chronic lung disease, neurological disease, immunodeficiency and poor breastfeeding.
Prevents RSV
Preventive measures include isolating children with influenza-like symptoms, the NICD said.
It also encourages sick children to go to crèches or school for a few days and encourages teaching children and adults to practice sneeze and cough hygiene.
The Institute does not recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics for children with upper respiratory tract infections.
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“The monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, administered monthly throughout the RSV season to infants and children at risk of severe RSV disease, is effective in preventing it.
“However, high costs and the need for monthly intramuscular injections during the RSV season limit their use.”
SAnews.gov.za