RSV Infection Hospitalizations Double in One Month

Recently, the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, a type of acute respiratory infection, has been increasing. The number of patients has doubled in the past month, with infants and young children being particularly affected.

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The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 22nd that the number of RSV hospitalized patients in the third week of December (10?16) was 367, approximately double the 192 patients reported in the fourth week of November (19?25). Especially, infants and young children (0?6 years old), including newborns, accounted for more than 70% of the cases.

RSV is a legally designated infectious disease in South Korea that occurs annually, mainly spreading between October and March. The number of RSV hospitalized patients in the recent four weeks (November 19 to December 16) was 1,027. Although this is lower compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic years of 2018 (5,147 patients) and 2019 (3,557 patients), it has significantly increased compared to 2020 (6 patients), 2021 (229 patients), and 2022 (583 patients).

The main symptoms include fever, headache, runny nose, and sore throat, primarily manifesting as upper respiratory tract infections. In some infants, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly, it can cause lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment through medical consultation are important. Since the virus spreads through contact with infected individuals or respiratory droplets, respiratory symptoms should prompt individuals to refrain from attending postpartum care centers, infant care facilities, or schools to prevent infection.

Ji Young-mi, director of the KDCA, emphasized, “Strict adherence to infection control principles is essential, including handwashing before and after contact with newborns in postpartum care centers and neonatal rooms, and restricting entry of staff or visitors with respiratory symptoms.” She also urged, “Newborns with respiratory symptoms should have limited contact with others and be provided with necessary medical care.”