Global RSV outbreaks rising, fatality rates declining
A new systematic review and meta-analysis has found that global outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, have increased significantly since the 1960s, though fatality rates have declined in recent decades. RSV is a major cause of acute respiratory infections, particularly in high-risk settings like neonatal intensive care units and cancer centers. The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, analyzed 72 studies from 25 countries, covering 82 outbreaks and 2,282 confirmed cases.
Most outbreaks occurred among infants in pediatric hospital departments and intensive care units. The overall attack rate was estimated at 35.78%, consistent with previous reports of 12.9% to 38%. The overall attack rate was significantly higher in outbreaks affecting children, 42.29%, and the elderly, 37.4%, and during winter seasons. The case fatality rate declined from 3.15% pre-1970 to 1.24% post-2020, reflecting improvement in medical care and diagnostics.
These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions and infection control measures in high-risk populations and settings to mitigate the impact of RSV outbreaks, according to the review. These include monoclonal antibody prophylaxis, strict infection control measures, development and deployment of vaccines, targeted antiviral therapies and enhanced surveillance systems.
Read more: eClinicalMedicine
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.