RSV Infections Increase 2.2 Times in One Month... "Thorough Prevention and Management"

[Provided by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

Recently, it was revealed that several newborns at a top-tier postpartum care center in Gangnam, Seoul, were infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the number of reported RSV infections has more than doubled within a month. Special caution is required in postpartum care centers, newborn rooms, and infant care facilities.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 10th that RSV infections increased 2.2 times compared to early February. According to surveillance results from 219 sample monitoring institutions nationwide, the number of reported RSV infection cases among hospitalized patients rose from 99 in the 5th week of this year (January 29?February 4) to 214 in the 9th week (February 26?March 4).

It was confirmed that the increase is particularly centered on infants and young children. Among the RSV infection cases reported in the 9th week, 72.9% were children aged 0 to 6 years.

Generally, RSV infections in Korea begin in October, peak around January of the following year, and continue until March. However, last year, the KDCA explained, there was an early but small outbreak between October and November, followed by a decline, and then an increase again starting last month.

RSV infection mainly manifests as upper respiratory tract symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat, but in infants, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly, it can cause lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring special caution. Since it spreads easily through contact with infected individuals or respiratory droplets, thorough management is necessary in postpartum care centers and infant care facilities to prevent infection.

Ji Young-mi, director of the KDCA, urged, "Strictly adhere to infection control principles such as handwashing before and after contact with newborns in postpartum care centers and newborn rooms, and restricting entry of staff or visitors with respiratory symptoms." She added, "Limit contact between newborns with respiratory symptoms and others, guide them to receive necessary medical care, and strengthen prevention and management of respiratory infectious diseases."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.