{"id":6218,"date":"2021-07-01T21:26:39","date_gmt":"2021-07-01T21:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lto.local\/?post_type=news&p=6218"},"modified":"2022-09-15T22:26:16","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T05:26:16","slug":"unusual-spike-rsv-cases-summer","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.testing.com\/news\/unusual-spike-rsv-cases-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Unusual Spike in RSV Cases this Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a health advisory<\/a> warning about an unusual, sharp increase in the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)<\/a> cases this summer, particularly across southern states. With this reported increase, the agency calls for more widespread RSV testing<\/a> in those with respiratory symptoms but a negative COVID-19 test<\/a>.<\/p>\n

RSV is a very common and contagious respiratory virus that spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces. The virus is so pervasive that nearly all children have been exposed<\/a> to it by the time they are 2 years old.<\/p>\n

Normally, RSV is seasonal in the U.S., with outbreaks occurring in the fall and winter, and decreasing in early spring. This year, however, the CDC has observed an increasing number of reported cases since late March across several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Since these outbreaks are not following the typical seasonal pattern, it is not possible to predict<\/a> how long the outbreaks will continue or where they will occur, notes the CDC.<\/p>\n

This unusual, out-of-season jump in cases is likely due to Americans self-isolating last fall and winter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer people were exposed to RSV but now are contracting the virus as they go back to workplaces and schools, and begin to socialize again. With the virus spreading more easily now, infants who were not exposed during the fall and winter months are getting the infection as toddlers and as older children.<\/p>\n

The recent health advisory also reminds individuals to stay home and away from others if they feel ill, even if they have a negative COVID-19 test. Taking other precautions, such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting surfaces, also helps limit the spread of RSV, especially to those who are most vulnerable.<\/p>\n

While many adults show no symptoms and most people recover from an RSV infection without specific treatment, the illness can be serious in infants, young children, and the elderly.<\/p>\n