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Source: https://buffalonews.com/2019/12/30/outbreak-of-virus-among-babies-prompts-warning/
Outbreak of highly contagious virus among babies prompts warning
By Jane Kwiatkowski Radlich
Published 5:02 p.m. December 30, 2019|Updated 2 minutes ago
An outbreak of a common and highly contagious respiratory virus among babies in the area has prompted a warning from pediatricians at Oishei Children’s Hospital.
“This year, the strain is particularly bad. We’re breaking records in our emergency room and our pediatric ICU with really sick kids,” said Dr. Stephen J. Turkovich, chief medical officer. “It’s a good time to spend New Year’s Eve at home with the family.”
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that generally strikes in December and January, according to Turkovich, who cited an increased amount of cases that began in September.
“Last year we admitted from 60 to 80 children at this time. As of today, we had more than 200 kids admitted with RSV. ICU usually has 20 RSV cases. This year we’ve had 60 as of November.”
Symptoms initially mimic that of a cold with coughing, congestion and fever, said Turkovich. But by the second or third day, significant coughing and wheezing may develop along with difficulty in breathing and finally decreased appetite...
Outbreak of highly contagious virus among babies prompts warning
By Jane Kwiatkowski Radlich
Published 5:02 p.m. December 30, 2019|Updated 2 minutes ago
An outbreak of a common and highly contagious respiratory virus among babies in the area has prompted a warning from pediatricians at Oishei Children’s Hospital.
“This year, the strain is particularly bad. We’re breaking records in our emergency room and our pediatric ICU with really sick kids,” said Dr. Stephen J. Turkovich, chief medical officer. “It’s a good time to spend New Year’s Eve at home with the family.”
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that generally strikes in December and January, according to Turkovich, who cited an increased amount of cases that began in September.
“Last year we admitted from 60 to 80 children at this time. As of today, we had more than 200 kids admitted with RSV. ICU usually has 20 RSV cases. This year we’ve had 60 as of November.”
Symptoms initially mimic that of a cold with coughing, congestion and fever, said Turkovich. But by the second or third day, significant coughing and wheezing may develop along with difficulty in breathing and finally decreased appetite...