Public Health Mid-West urge vigilance as regional RSV cases exceed 200 in two months

Provisional data from the Computerised Infectious Diseases Reporting (CIDR) has shown that there have been 206 cases of RSV in the midwest region since the start of October according to Public Health Mid-West.

They say the Paediatric Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is dealing with much higher rates of infants with respiratory illnesses than ever before and are seeing a significant increase in incidences of bronchiolitis caused by RSV.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine at Public Health Mid-West, Dr Marie Casey, said: 

"We are seeing higher rates of RSV than what we would normally record at this time of year. 

"While most cases will be mild, this can have a disruptive impact on life at home, parents who are working, and a domino effect of potential outbreaks in childcare services and crèches," said Dr Casey. 

Public Health Mid-West says runny noses and coughs are common this time of year, and one mild symptom should not require a child to stay home. 

However, they are asking parents to look out for a combination of the following symptoms:

Initially: 

· runny nose

· blocked nose

· mild fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius)

· slight cough

 Following few days:

· mild fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius)

· a dry and persistent cough

· rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing)

· feeding less

· fewer wet nappies

· vomiting after feeding

· being irritable

"If you suspect your child has symptoms of a cold or flu, please keep them at home until they are feeling better. We want to minimise the impact this might have on our busy daily lives, and hospital services should a child require care," said Dr Casey

They also emphasise the importance of ventilation and handwashing in preventing the spread. 

Paediatric Respiratory Consultant at UHL, Dr Barry Linnane, said the regional data is in line with the national numbers. 

He said that RSV is coming earlier, and the peak this year is likely to be higher.

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"RSV is very contagious, and most infants will have an infection of the upper respiratory tract, with symptoms such as mild cough, cold or runny nose. But for 25% of infants, the virus goes down into the lungs and cause bronchiolitis, which can put the lungs under severe pressure, leading to hospitalisation in some cases. 

"There are no vaccines, so we have to follow the advice we've become familiar with from COVID-19, such as handwashing and coughing and sneezing etiquette. However, those who are most susceptible, the under-2s and under-1s, need a lot of help with that. 

So we urge parents of children with symptoms not to let them mix with other people or to allow infants to mix with anyone who has those symptoms. It's very difficult to manage in this particular age group, but it's imperative that we do what we can to limit the spread of RSV to protect our children and minimise pressure on the hospital system," said Dr Linnane.