Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Hospitalizations Surge in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Bolsters RSV Defense with Vaccination adn New Antibody Treatment
San José, Costa Rica - Health officials in Costa Rica are intensifying efforts to combat Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), which has become the second most circulating respiratory virus in the country. A new vaccination program for pregnant women,launched in late May,aims to protect infants by transferring antibodies across the placenta and through breast milk.
RSV poses a significant threat to young children,often leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. While the impact of the vaccination program on hospitalization rates isn’t yet measurable-as it began only four months ago-authorities are proactively implementing additional measures to curb the virus’s spread. In just two and a half months,the vaccine reached 6,000 pregnant women.
To further safeguard newborns, the National Vaccination and Epidemiology Commission has approved Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody treatment. This will be administered at birth to infants whose mothers were unable to receive the RSV vaccine.
Health specialists recommend a range of preventative steps, including complete family vaccinations, frequent handwashing, proper respiratory etiquette (using tissues or forearms when coughing or sneezing), mask-wearing when symptomatic, avoiding crowds, distancing children from sick individuals, and seeking medical consultation before medicating minors. Other recommendations include prioritizing outdoor or well-ventilated spaces, keeping symptomatic children home from school, exclusive breastfeeding for infants under six months, and promptly seeking medical care when needed.