RSV and Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise

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(NewsInsights.org) – Warren County Health Department (WCHD) in Ohio has recorded 142 pediatric pneumonia cases since August, far above the county average and enough to qualify as an outbreak by Ohio Department of Health standards. Yet, in a November 29 news release, the WCHD noted it didn’t see any evidence of a new respiratory disease. Instead, pathogens like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are likely to blame. Now, Massachusetts is reporting a surge in childhood pneumonia cases, primarily fueled by RSV.

Dr. John Kelley of Redwood Pediatrics told Western Mass News it’s RSV season, and doctors in Western Massachusetts are seeing a lot of it. Yet, he also said it was typical for the season. He said once someone is sick, care is primarily supportive because medication can’t treat it.

He cautioned parents to watch for symptoms like struggling to breathe, suction-like contractions occurring around the ribcage when trying to take a breath, or difficulty swallowing liquids. He said all these symptoms indicate the need for medical intervention in an emergency room. Kelley suggested those who are pregnant or have young children consult their healthcare provider about the best ways to minimize potential RSV risks.

Some people worried that the surge of cases in Ohio and Massachusetts was somehow related to a massive outbreak of respiratory illness cases in China and Europe. Yet, CDC Director Mandy Cohen said the uptick in China also correlates to the easing of restrictions in that country and is most likely due to common pathogens like flu, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Chinese authorities offered a similar explanation to the World Health Organization. Countries with similarly strict quarantines, like New Zealand and Australia, have also seen outbreaks after relaxing restrictions. However, the Netherlands, which didn’t exert such strict rules and eased them nearly 18 months ago, is also seeing a surge in pediatric pneumonia cases.