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MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) – Pediatricians and public health officials say a common respiratory illness that most children can easily cope with is spreading earlier than usual in Wisconsin.
The disease, called respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is common in children under 2 years old and usually causes mild symptoms. But it can be serious in infants and the elderly.
The symptoms of RSV are similar to those of COVID-19, so officials say testing for COVID-19 is important so children can stay at home if necessary.
University of Wisconsin Health pediatrician Greg DeMuri told Wisconsin Public Radio that some children get both diseases at the same time, which can prolong recovery time and make it difficult to diagnose what is wrong.
“We don’t know if it’s worse than COVID alone or RSV alone. There may be a certain inclination, and that certainly complicates the situation, ”DeMuri said.
RSV cases typically increase in the winter, but in Wisconsin, RSV cases started to increase in July and have been rising steadily since. The state’s most recent weekly respiratory report from the state health services department indicates that as of Aug. 21, 1,630 patients have been tested for RSV and 298 have tested positive.
DeMuri called it an “explosion” of infections and said it surprised doctors and public health officials.
Hand washing and wiping down surfaces is especially important with RSV, as it is transmitted primarily through touch, DeMuri said.
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