NEW YORK, (Reuters Health) -- RSV(RSV) is
the most common cause of lower respiratory disease in infants and young children
around the world, but any adult or child with a respiratory illness could be
infected with the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
"For the first time (the CDC) is reporting data for the last year and the
beginning of this year on a regional level," CDC spokesman Dr. David Shay told
Reuters Health. The reason for making the data more specific is the availability
of the new drug palivizumab, "which is designed to be administered to certain
children at very high risk for adverse outcomes when they are infected with
RSV," he explained.
RSV causes cold symptoms, but can also cause serious complications such as
pneumonia in infants aged 2 to 6 months. Adults and older children can also be
at risk, particularly if they have weakened immune systems or underlying lung or
heart problems.
Although RSV outbreaks usually occur during the winter months, RSV was
detected throughout the entire July 1998 to June 1999 surveillance period,
according to CDC officials.
Additionally, preliminary data gathered between July 1 and November 12,
1999 indicated widespread RSV activity in eight southern communities, three
western communities, one northeastern community, and one midwestern community.
There was also widespread RSV activity in the US beginning in November
1998 and continuing for 27 weeks, with the earliest outbreaks reported in the
South and the latest outbreaks reported in western and midwestern laboratories.
Palivizumab is "a monthly injection that must be administered throughout
the RSV season," Shay said. "We're trying... to provide data so that...
(healthcare) providers in various areas know the best time to give
(palivizumab)," he added.
