The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is currently causing congestion in pediatric emergencies in Quebec, seems to be sparing the North Shore for the moment. The CISSS does not report any hospitalizations in the region.
This highly contagious virus usually infects children for the first time before the age of 2 years. But at this age, they have difficulty expelling secretions generated by the infection and may develop bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small bronchi. The Dr Gaston De Serres, of the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ), indicated to La Presse a few days ago, that currently, “RSV is the first cause of hospitalization in children, well before the flu or other respiratory viruses.
Jean-Christophe Beaulieu, communications advisor at the CISSS de la Côte-Nord told Macotenord.com that “there is no circulation of RSV in the region according to the laboratory tests carried out in the region”.
Although there are no RSV-related hospitalizations, Mr. Beaulieu adds that the situation is being closely monitored.
“The presence of the three viruses (RSV, COVID-19, Influenza) might increase in the region in the coming weeks. We invite the population to be vigilant. »
It invites you to put in place a few gestures such as wearing a mask in busy public places, hand washing and caution in the event of symptoms such as cough and fever.