Surge in RSV cases among children in Clare sparks urgent warning

A PLEA has been issued to Clare parents to remain vigilant about their children's health, as a concerning rise in hospitalisations due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) grips the country.

The Public Health HSE Mid-West and UL Hospitals Group have issued the plea, stating that Ireland is currently experiencing the highest number of weekly RSV cases on record, surpassing last year's peak, with indications that the virus has yet to reach its peak this season.

RSV, a highly contagious respiratory disease, typically prevails between October and April, peaking in December. While generally mild in adults and older children, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis in infants, causing breathing and feeding difficulties, often resulting in hospitalisation. The virus also poses a serious threat to older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and children with pre-existing health conditions.

Initial symptoms can include: runny nose, blocked nose, mild fever (temperature of 38 degrees celsius) and a slight cough. Further symptoms, which usually develop over the days surrounding infection, include: a dry and persistent cough and rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing). In children, symptoms can also include: feeding less, vomiting after feeding, fewer wet nappies, and being irritable.

In the Mid-West, at least 260 cases of RSV have been reported in Limerick (123), Tipperary (82), and Clare (55) since October 2nd. Notably, the current surge has prompted the highest weekly number of hospitalisations caused by RSV in Ireland.

Dr Kenneth Beatty, a specialist in Public Health Medicine, expressed concern about the escalating impact of RSV on young children. "It’s important that if your children are unwell with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath and fever they do not attend their crèche until the symptoms have passed.

"Adults with similar symptoms should also limit their contact with very young children to prevent spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses," he added.

Dr Barry Linnane, paediatric respiratory consultant at University Hospital Limerick, emphasised the contagious nature of RSV, noting that while most infants exhibit upper respiratory symptoms, approximately 25% may develop bronchiolitis, requiring hospitalisation.

"There are no vaccines so we have to follow advice we’ve become familiar with from COVID-19, such as hand-washing, and coughing and sneezing etiquette," he said.

With Christmas on the way, health officials are intensifying efforts to mitigate the spread of RSV and subsequently alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.