The RS virus causes a (serious) respiratory infection, especially in young children, which usually leads to many hospitalizations, especially in winter. Since the introduction of the corona measures in 2020 and 2021, this has hardly been the case. Recent research by Nivel and RIVM shows that an RS virus epidemic is expected to be larger than normal in the coming winter, but that an RS virus epidemic can also very well occur outside the usual winter season, for example in the summer. With recent coverage of outbreaks in the southwest of the Netherlands, this latter scenario seems to be becoming a reality. However, the epidemic limit has not yet been reached. This is reported by Level.
–
School closures appear to have played a major role in slowing down and spreading the RS virus last winter. In countries where there has been a delayed RS virus epidemic (in the spring or summer) since the corona pandemic, such as France, Iceland, Australia and South Africa, primary schools and childcare facilities were opened just before and during the RSV epidemic. Closing schools therefore seems to play an important role in inhibiting the spread of the virus.
Increase in patients
Since primary schools and childcare have been reopened in the Netherlands, the number of patients with an RS virus infection has increased slightly from April. The increase has been greater in the last two weeks, 14 patients per week. There is an epidemic in 21 patients. The outbreak is not expected to be as big as in the winter periods, thanks to the approaching school holidays.
No immunity
Typically, 60 to 70 percent of children under the age of 1 and almost all children under the age of 2 have experienced an RS virus infection. Because there was little RS virus in the past year, the group of young children without immunity against the RS virus has grown and the epidemic will be larger. However, it is expected that the school holidays can reduce the number of virus infections.
Bron: Level, https://www.nivel.nl/nl/nieuws/onderzoek-voorspelt-mogelijke-rs-virusuitbraak-deze-zomer-momenteel-al-toename-zichtbaar-het, consulted on 21-06-2021
By: National Care Guide
–
