Health officials are reporting the first child death attributed to respiratory syncytial virus in McHenry County this year amid increasing cases of the virus.
The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) announced Thursday the first pediatric death attributed to respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, of the 2024 surveillance season.
RSV is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe respiratory illness, particularly in infants and young children.
MCDH said RSV activity has been increasing over the last four weeks in McHenry County.
The current transmission level is classified as moderate, which means there has been increased respiratory illness activity, though it is not yet at the peak for the season.
RSV is rising in the 0-4 age group. Emergency department and inpatient visits among adults aged 65 and older remain low.
“This low level of RSV transmission in older adults is attributed to the effectiveness of the RSV vaccination, which offers protection against severe illness,” the MCDH said.
While RSV generally causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, irritability, decreased appetite and fever, it can lead to more severe respiratory symptoms in infants.
Severe symptoms of RSV in babies can include short, shallow and abnormally fast breathing, a wheezing cough, nasal flaring, difficulty feeding due to breathing difficulties, unusual tiredness, a blue tint to the lips or fingernails and fever.
Parents and caregivers should seek medical care immediately if they notice these severe symptoms, the health department said.
RSV spreads through droplets from coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces.
People are urged to cover coughs and sneezes, practice good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly and clean frequently touched surfaces.
Health officials say it is also important to avoid close contact with infants, such as kissing, when sick.
Infants can contract RSV from family members or siblings who may have been exposed to the virus at school or daycare.
A preventive antibody called Beyfortus is available for infants under one year of age. It provides protection against severe RSV illness, MCDH Said.
An RSV vaccine is also recommended for adults 75 years of age and older, as well as those aged 60 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV, the health department added.
Health officials say they continue to actively monitor RSV trends throughout the season and urge all eligible residents to get vaccinated and take preventive measures to protect themselves and others.