Reno/Sparks, Nev. Nov. 16, 2022 – The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) is reporting a significant uptick in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in Washoe County and urging residents with exposure to at-risk populations to take precautions.
WCHD is reporting 156 RSV cases from last week, moving the total to 343 cases for this 2022-23 respiratory virus season, which started in early October. The 156 cases reported last week is more than the total number of cases reported during the first five weeks of the 2021-22 season (148 cases).
While most cases of RSV will go away on their own within a week or two, those most at risk for hospitalization are under 6 months of age (especially babies born prematurely) and older adults (especially those with chronic diseases).
RSV, which is highly contagious, can lead to more serious complications such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the airways of the lungs) or pneumonia.
“We’re on pace to have one of the worst RSV seasons ever reported in Washoe County,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “The risk of RSV is very serious for infants and young children as well as our older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions. Because there is no vaccine for RSV, we must take extra precaution to protect our vulnerable populations.”
The Nevada Hospital Association is reporting increased RSV-related hospitalizations. Both pediatric hospital bed capacity and pediatric intensive care units (PICU) in Washoe County are at capacity or over capacity due to RSV, flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
RSV Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms of RSV usually start within 4 to 6 days after getting infected, and include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
The CDC says for very young infants, the only RSV symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties, and most children will get RSV by age 2. Call your healthcare provider if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.
RSV Prevention
According to the CDC, no RSV vaccine is available although researchers are working to develop it. In the meantime, there are a few tips to help decrease the chances of children and older adults getting RSV, per the CDC.
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching faces with unwashed hands
- If you have symptoms of RSV, stay home from school or work
- Limit the time spent in childcare centers or other potentially contagious settings during periods of high RSV activity. This may help prevent infection and spread of the virus during the RSV season
For more information on RSV, visit the CDC’s website here.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.