RSV Cases Rising in South Korea, Posing threat to Infants adn Young Children
Seoul, South Korea - Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is circulating with increasing prevalence in South Korea, prompting health officials to urge caution, especially for infants and young children. According to surveillance statistics released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on November 27th, 212 patients were hospitalized with RSV during the 46th week (November 9-15), a rise compared to the same period last year.
RSV typically peaks during the winter months; last year, over 600 patients were hospitalized during the 52nd week. While initially presenting with mild, cold-like symptoms such as cough and runny nose, RSV can rapidly develop into more severe lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in vulnerable populations. Children under two years of age, and particularly those under six months, are at the highest risk due to their smaller airway diameters.
The highly contagious virus spreads easily in communal settings like daycare centers and kindergartens. Prevention measures include frequent handwashing,disinfecting shared items and toys,and avoiding crowded spaces. Early medical attention is crucial if coughing or a runny nose develops, with immediate hospitalization recommended for difficulty breathing or decreased appetite.
A new preventative measure,the ‘Bayportus‘ antibody injection,became available this year for infants in their first RSV season and high-risk children under 24 months.A single dose provides protection for at least five months, potentially covering the majority of the RSV epidemic season, though it is indeed currently only accessible at personal expense, sparking debate over equitable access.
the KDCA is currently evaluating the feasibility of including the RSV antibody injection in the National Immunization Program (NIP). “There are many social requests for RSV preventive antibodies and requests have also been made to academia,” stated Lim Seung-kwan, Director of the KDCA, during a National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee audit on November 30th. “We plan to evaluate the priorities for the demand and necessity for vaccination next year, and we will review it closely then.”
