NSW Health Warns RSV Cases On The Rise In Young Children Especially In Childcare Centres

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes respiratory infections. NSW Health is currently seeing high numbers of cases in young children, especially in childcare centres.

RSV can cause a chest infection called bronchiolitis. Over the past week, 695 children aged 0-4 years old presented to emergency departments across NSW with bronchiolitis – 41% of these children had to be admitted to hospital.

RSV mostly affects young children and can also cause a chest infection called bronchiolitis. Although RSV symptoms are usually mild, some children get very sick and need hospital treatment. There is no vaccine for RSV. Parents and carers should monitor for symptoms of RSV including runny nose, cough and fever.

RSV infection causes a mild respiratory illness. Symptoms usually begin between 3 and 5 days after infection and can include:

• runny nose
• cough
• sneezing
• fever
• ear infection (less commonly).

Symptoms can be more severe in babies under 6 months of age and can include:

• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• irritability
• poor feeding.

How is RSV spread?

RSV is highly infectious. It can be spread through

• droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes.
• touching items and surfaces (such as doorknobs or toys), and hands that are contaminated with droplets and then touching your nose or eyes.

A person is usually infectious for 3 - 8 days after symptoms begin but this may be longer in someone who has a weakened immune system.

Who is at risk of RSV?

RSV can affect anyone but young children under the age of 3 years are at the highest risk as they can have severe infections. Babies under 6 months old are especially at risk, particularly if they were born prematurely or have weak immune systems.

How is RSV prevented?

There are currently no vaccines available for RSV.

The best way to help stop the virus from spreading is for everyone to always practise good hygiene, especially if you have flu-like symptoms:

• stay at home if you don't feel well
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• wear a mask in crowded places or if you are visiting high-risk settings that have vulnerable people such as aged care facilities or hospitals
• avoid contact with high-risk people such as infants, older people and those who are immunocompromised until you feel better.

The virus can survive on surfaces or objects for about 4 to 7 hours. It is therefore important to:

• wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water or use hand sanitiser
• avoid sharing cups and utensils you eat with
• regularly clean surfaces and items that may be contaminated with droplets using a household detergent

Parents and carers can also take steps to help prevent RSV, such as:

• keep sick children at home until all their symptoms are gone
• wash toys that are shared among children with warm water and detergent at the end of the day or after it has been sneezed upon or
• mouthed. Let it dry in the sun

For more information, please read the following: RSV Information