San Bernardino County Department of Public Health confirmed the county’s first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) death.
A 5-year-old San Bernardino County child died in December at a Los Angeles County hospital, public health officials announced on Thursday. The child was severely immunocompromised, and died from RSV — a common respiratory virus that often causes colds but can be severe for infants and older adults, officials stated.
RSV can spread when someone with the virus sneezes or coughs, through close contact with someone who is sick, or by touching infected surfaces and then touching your face without first washing your hands, public health officials said.
People with RSV infection typically have fever, cough, runny nose, wheezing—and in very young infants—increased irritability and difficulty breathing.
“The loss of this young child underscores the importance of heightened awareness and protective measures, especially for vulnerable populations including older adults, pregnant people, and infants,” stated Michael Sequeir, San Bernardino County’s Health Officer.
Statewide statistics show California as “very high” in the respiratory illness level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
RSV and COVID positivity rates remain stable across the U.S., while positive flu cases have slightly decreased, the CDC reported.
To safeguard against RSV and protect vulnerable individuals, county health officials urge the public to take the following precautions:
- Frequent handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being around sick individuals or in crowded places.
- Avoid close contact: Limit close contact with sick individuals, particularly infants and those with compromised immune systems. Stay home if you are sick.
- Practice respiratory hygiene: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow and dispose of tissues in the trash immediately.
- Sanitize surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, and countertops.
- Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available to older adults, pregnant people, and infants. Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about the vaccine.
For more information and resources, visit cdph.ca.gov.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
