A 6-year-old boy in Macomb County died of a respiratory illness, the Oakland County Health Department said Wednesday.
The boy’s death from respiratory syncytial virus comes amid a historic high case that is fueling a surge in hospitalizations for children in the state.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of RSV or syncytial virus that develop 4 to 6 days after infection include a runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, wheezing, and coughing. will occur.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms but can be particularly serious in infants and the elderly. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, and pneumonia in children under the age of one in the United States.
According to the CDC, most children get RSV before their second birthday, and infant symptoms include hypersensitivity, decreased activity, and difficulty breathing.
Child hospitalizations rise as ‘rapid surge’ of respiratory virus cases in Michigan
Children under the age of 5 are the largest group of patients coming to the emergency room for respiratory illness, Oakland County Health Department said in a news release Wednesday. Children under the age of 2 with the condition and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of severe RSV disease.
“RSV is affecting the youngest and most vulnerable population,” Oakland County Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said in a release. “I am concerned about the spread of respiratory syncytial virus, flu and COVID-19 heading into the winter. If you are eligible, get your COVID and flu vaccines and wash your hands frequently.”
Some Michigan hospitals are nearing capacity as hospitalizations for children with upper respiratory tract viruses increase. Nationwide, her RSV cases are peaking early, according to the CDC. Cases usually peak in winter.
“Children’s hospitals across Michigan are near capacity due to the surge in RSV cases and staffing issues,” said John Karasinski, spokesman for the Michigan Health Hospital Association. Individuals with worsening symptoms, such as, should seek urgent care immediately.”
