MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) – Pediatricians and public health officials say a common respiratory illness that most children can easily treat is spreading earlier than usual in Wisconsin.
The disease, called respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is common in children under 2 years of age and usually causes mild symptoms. But it can be serious in babies and older adults.
The symptoms of RSV are similar to those of COVID-19, so officials say it is important to try COVID-19 so children can stay home if necessary.
University of Wisconsin health pediatrician Greg DeMuri told Wisconsin Public Radio that some children suffer from both diseases at the same time, which can lengthen recovery time and make it difficult to diagnose what is wrong.
“We don’t know if this is worse than just COVID alone or RSV alone. There can be a certain inclination, and it certainly complicates the situation, “said DeMuri.
RSV cases usually increase in the winter, but in Wisconsin, RSV cases began to rise in July and have increased since then. The most recent weekly respiratory report from the state Department of Health Services says as of Aug. 21, 1,630 patients had been diagnosed with RSV and 298 were positive.
DeMuri called this an “explosion” of infections and said he surprised doctors and public health officials.
Washing hands and cleaning surfaces is especially important with RSV, as it is transmitted primarily to the touch, DeMuri said.