RSV cases reach highest weekly total ever recorded in Ireland
Children of creche-age who have a cough, shortness of breath and fever should stay at home until symptoms have passed, doctors advise
RSV case numbers last week reached the highest recorded in Ireland, surpassing even the weekly peak of last winter’s severe outbreak, new data shows.
Doctors are bracing themselves for a further surge in numbers and have called on parents to watch out for symptoms among children.
Last week, 368 people were hospitalised due to RSV, with 985 new cases identified, according to the Health Surveillance Protection Centre (HPSC).
The majority of new cases, at 786, were among children aged under 14. The next most affected were those aged over 65, at 101 new cases.
RSV is spreading around the country, with Dublin (232) seeing the highest numbers last week. Across Munster counties, Cork (74) and Limerick (42) were highest.
Dr Barry Linnane, paediatric respiratory consultant at University Hospital Limerick, said last year saw an unprecedented number of RSV cases.
“This year, starting a little later, we are now beginning to see the number of RSV cases increase, and are bracing ourselves for a significant surge in numbers in the coming weeks,” he warned.
“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,” he said.
“But for 25% of infants, the virus goes down into the lungs and causes bronchiolitis, which can put the lungs under severe pressure, leading to hospitalisation in some cases.
He advised young children, especially toddlers, should not mix with other people if they have symptoms, even though that can be difficult.
“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,” he said.
Dr Kenneth Beatty, specialist in public health medicine in the region, also warned: “With the holiday season upon us, we are particularly concerned about the level of RSV among young children in the community, and the severe pressure it is causing on our hospitals.”
Children of creche-age who have a cough, shortness of breath and fever should stay at home until symptoms have passed, he advised.
“While RSV can have serious outcomes in young children, we know it can easily spread to older people, who can become seriously ill with this illness,” he said.
“If your child is unwell and you are concerned, speak to your GP, and avoid any contact with creches and elderly relatives.”
They advised children with one mild symptom such as runny nose or slight cough need not stay at home if they feel well. The concern is around more significant symptoms, or combination of symptoms.
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