CDC Warns of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Outbreak in at Least 32 States

(KNSI) — Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, are spiking in at least 32 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC says virtually all children get an RSV infection by two years old. Symptoms are usually mild and cold-like, but they can also cause serious issues such as inflammation of the small airways of the lung, causing bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Roughly one or two children out of 100 younger than six months old who come down the RSV need to be hospitalized, which may require a ventilator, oxygen or intubation.

Caregivers can lessen the chances of infection by washing hands often with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds and teaching kids to do the same. If soap and water are unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can do in a pinch. Also, avoid touching your face, mouth, nose and eyes, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect surfaces often and avoid contact with sick people.

Health experts say the news is especially troubling as the peak of the season is typically in February. There is no vaccine available yet for RSV.

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