Respiratory syncytial virus--United States, July 2012-June 2014

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory infections in infants and young children globally.
• RSV accounts for substantial healthcare utilization in the U.S., including over 57,000 hospitalizations and 2.1 million outpatient visits annually among children under 5.
• RSV typically circulates during fall, winter, and spring, but seasonal patterns vary geographically and annually.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the seasonality of RSV, including onset, offset, peak, and duration.
• To analyze RSV seasonality nationally, by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regions, and specifically for Florida.
• To provide data that aids healthcare providers and public health officials in diagnostic testing and immunoprophylaxis decisions for high-risk children.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of RSV laboratory detections reported to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS).
• Examination of seasonal trends for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.
• Separate reporting for Florida due to its distinct RSV season characteristics.

Main Results:

• RSV season onset varied from late October to late December (excluding Florida) in 2012-13, with offset from late December to late April.
• In 2013-14, RSV season onset ranged from late October to late January (excluding Florida), and offset from late January to early April.
• Florida exhibits an earlier RSV season onset and longer duration compared to the rest of the country.

Conclusions:

• RSV seasonality exhibits significant regional variation within the United States.
• Accurate RSV surveillance data is essential for timely public health interventions and clinical management.
• Continued monitoring through systems like NREVSS is vital for tracking and predicting RSV trends.