Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

ABOUT

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. RSV is the primary cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under the age of one.

It is very common, and almost all children have had RSV before they have reached the age of two. RSV can also attack adults of any age. Recently, RSV has been recognized as a significant problem in certain adult populations. These include the elderly, persons with cardiopulmonary diseases, and immunocompromised individuals.

COMMUNITY

• CDC Information: RSV
• RSV in Schools and Childcare
• How to Clean and Disinfect Schools and Childcare

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

• Prophylaxis Guidelines
• Risk and Infection Control Article

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Reporting

• Laboratories participating in the WVHIN shall report laboratory evidence of acute infection through electronic laboratory reporting.
• All RSV-related deaths in individuals ≤ 5 years of age are to be reported within ONE WEEK to the the local health department.

Required Forms

• RSV Pediatric Death Report Form

National RSV Surveillance

• NREVSS