The network will also monitor the effect of interventions that help to defend against the RS virus, such as future vaccinations. The network is part of a European research project: PROMISE. The official start of the project was on November 1, 2021. In the Netherlands, RIVM, Nivel and UMC Utrecht are involved as partners.
Severe respiratory infection
An RS virus infection (RSV) is a respiratory infection. The infection is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. The virus can make young babies, and sometimes the elderly, seriously ill. They become short of breath due to an inflammation of the small airways (bronchiolitis) or a pneumonia. RS virus is a major cause of infant mortality worldwide.
Visibility into the spread of RS virus thanks to data sharing
The organizations involved in the network will share data about the spread of the RS virus with each other. This is done in collaboration with the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Optimal methods for detecting and investigating the RS virus in the laboratory are also being looked at. Thanks to the mutual exchange of data, we can keep a close eye on the RS virus. This makes it possible, for example, to inform hospitals and policymakers early about a possible epidemic of the RS virus.
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