NewsDesk @bactiman63

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Director Ji Young-mi) announced that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections increased 2.2 times in one month compared to early February, prompting postpartum care centers, neonatal rooms, and infant care facilities to use respiratory systems to prevent mass outbreaks. They were requested to strengthen the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Image/Robert Herriman

In the 9th week of 2023 (February 26 – March 4), a total of 214 patients were reported for respiratory syncytial virus infection.

The progression of the disease in 2023 is as follows: Week 5 (Jan.29.-2.4.) 99 people → Week 6 (2.5.-2.11.) 122 people → Week 7 (2.12.-2.18.) 172 people → Week 8 (2.19.-2.25.) 198 persons → Week 9 (2.26.-3.4.) 214 persons.

It has been confirmed that the incidence is increasing, especially in infants and young children. The percentage of patients aged 0-6 years who reported respiratory syncytial virus infection at 9 weeks: 72.9%

In general, outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus infection in Korea began in October, reached the peak of the epidemic in January of the following year, and occurred until March.  

In 2022, it showed a small prevalence earlier than usual between October and November, then decreased, and then increased again from February this year.

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RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract with symptoms similar to a common cold. Mild case symptoms can include congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. In severe cases, RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, or bluish skin color.

RSV is primarily spread via respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, and through direct contact with a contaminated surface.