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Respiratory syncytial virus activity--United States, 1999-2000 season
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) globally, particularly in infants. Surveillance data indicates widespread RSV community outbreaks are emerging, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a primary cause of lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) in infants and children globally.
- While maternal antibodies offer some protection, infants under 6 months experience the most hospitalizations, with near-universal infection by age 2.
- RSV infections are recurrent throughout life and typically occur during annual winter outbreaks in temperate climates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize RSV activity trends reported to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) from July 1999 to June 2000.
- To present preliminary RSV surveillance data from July 8 to November 21, 2000.
- To identify the emergence of widespread RSV community outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS), a voluntary, laboratory-based surveillance system in the United States.
- Analyzed trends in RSV activity over a one-year period (July 1999–June 2000).
- Reviewed preliminary surveillance data for the early part of the subsequent season (July–November 2000).
Main Results:
- RSV activity trends from July 1999 through June 2000 were summarized.
- Preliminary data from July 8 through November 21, 2000, indicated a concerning trend.
- RSV community outbreaks were observed to be becoming widespread.
Conclusions:
- The National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) provides valuable data for monitoring RSV activity.
- The preliminary data suggests an increasing prevalence and spread of RSV outbreaks.
- Continued surveillance is crucial for understanding and managing RSV epidemiology.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) among infants and children worldwide (1) and is an important cause of LRTI among older children and adults (2). Despite the presence of maternal antibodies, most hospitalizations occur among infants aged <6 months, and nearly all children are infected by age 2 years (3). Although primary infection is usually most severe, reinfection throughout life is common (4). In temperate climates, RSV infections occur primarily during annual outbreaks, which peak during winter months (5). In the United States, RSV activity is monitored by the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS), a voluntary, laboratory-based system. This report summarizes trends in RSV activity reported to NREVSS from July 1999 through June 2000 and presents preliminary surveillance data from July 8 through November 21, 2000, which indicate that RSV community outbreaks are becoming widespread.