RSV symptoms can include lung congestion, cough, and fever. If a baby isn’t eating, drinking, and they’re breathing very fast, or taking pauses in their breath, parents are advised to seek medical attention immediately, said Dr. Kris Deeter, the Physician-in-Chief at Renown Children’s Hospital.
“We are breaking records in our children’s hospital for the number of babies that are arriving there,” Deeter said.
The virus can be spread through close contact, and touching infected surfaces. There have been 11 outbreaks at preschools and daycares, including an elementary school in Washoe County. In the past seven weeks, there have been more than 750 cases, said Washoe County Health District Officer Kevin Dick.
“We’re in a situation in which we all need to be concerned about protecting others in our community from being infected with respiratory diseases, COVID-19, flu, or RSV,” Dick said.
Health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated and rethink large gatherings. The health district isn’t aware of any RSV-related deaths this year.
