PHOENIX — While parents may be relieved swine flu is on the decline, health officials are warning that a virus putting young children at risk for pneumonia and lung infections is on the rise.
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“We are really concerned for smaller children with other health problems,” she said. “It spreads openly throughout the air and that proposes a huge risk.”
Hugo Aguirre, communicable disease investigator for the Yuma County Health Department, said officials have seen 20 cases since the start of the year.
Parents should not hesitate to take children to their health care providers if they show symptoms, which include coughing, sneezing, fever and loss of appetite, he said.
“If they already have weakened immune systems, then the virus can become very severe very quickly,” Aguirre said.
RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under the age of 1 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can cause severe illness in infants, young children and adults 65 and older with weakened immune systems.
Between 75,000 to 125,000 children under the age of 1 are hospitalized each year due to RSV infection, according to the CDC.
Michelle McDonald, who is the chief medical officer of the Pima County Health Department, said the virus is still heading toward its peak.
“All we can do right now is work to prevent this from spreading,” she said.
Shoana Anderson, the Arizona Department of Health Services’ program manager for infectious disease, epidemiology and investigation, said it’s important that parents seek treatment immediately when children show signs of RSV infection.
“RSV is a very severe situation and so any time we see it increase, it is important that we try and protect our children.”
Avoiding illness
• Cover coughs, sneezes.
• Wash hands frequently and correctly (with soap and water for 15-20 seconds).
• Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others.
• Refrain from kissing.
• Clean contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs.
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