The spread of respiratory syncytial virus, which is particularly dangerous for infants, is increasing in Latvia, the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reported.
Monitoring data on acute respiratory infections show that in the first week of February, the proportion of positive tests for this virus in hospitals rose to 15.3%, nearly three times higher than in the first four weeks of January, when the average rate was 5.6%.
The incidence was higher among children under four years old: the proportion of positive tests in this group reached 27%.
According to the CDC, the respiratory syncytial virus typically causes mild cold-like illness, but infants, especially in the first six months of life, as well as premature infants and children with chronic lung or heart conditions, can become seriously ill. The virus can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which often requires hospitalization.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, about half of all laboratory-confirmed cases of respiratory syncytial virus are diagnosed in children under four years old.
Elderly individuals over 65 and those with chronic illnesses are also at risk of developing severe forms of the disease.
The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, via coughing or sneezing, through direct contact, or by touching contaminated surfaces.
