Connecticut — Connecticut has seen a steady rise in the number of respiratory illnesses involving children, with media reports reporting surges at two children’s hospitals in the state.
The number of children suffering from the respiratory disease respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lead to over capacity condition At the Connecticut Children’s Hospital in Hartford, WTNH News 8 reported.
The increase in cases started in September and has been steadily increasing, WTNH News 8 reported.
WTNH News 8 reported that the number of cases at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital recently increased from 57 to 106. Health officials urged parents to get their children vaccinated against influenza.
Dr. Juan Salazar, Executive Vice President and Chief Physician of Connecticut Children’s, told NBC Connecticut:this is unprecedentedThis is unprecedented and creates challenges. ”
The State Health Department is investigating the situation and seeking a solution. Salazar said “weakened immunity” from safety measures utilized at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic likely led to an increase in respiratory illnesses among children, he said on NBC CT. reported. However, doctors stressed that “social distancing and masking” are very important during the pandemic.
of CDC RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in one to two weeks, but RSV can be particularly serious in infants and the elderly. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation) and possible pneumonia (lung infection) in children under 1 year of age in the United States.”
According to the CDC, symptoms of RSV infection typically include “runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.”
but read more Click here for NBC CT When WTNH News 8 is here.
