The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory system. It is most common in babies and young children, although it can also affect adults.
The Costa Rica Ministry of Health has declared a sanitary alert due to the increase of respiratory infections associated with RSV. The alert calls on public and private health centers to increase vigilance of respiratory infections and promotes preventive measures.

Through a press release the Ministry of Health calls on parents and those in charge of small children, especially those under 1 year of age, to avoid taking them to places where there are large crowds or where other children or adults are suffering from respiratory infections.

The number of cases began growing in May according to information by the National Children’s Hospital, but in the last few weeks it went from 250 weekly cases to 416 as reported by the Costa Rica Public Health and Social Security Administration (C.C.S.S) on June 30.

The outpatient service has received up to 700 weekly cases and the hospital areas dedicated to patients with respiratory infections are at 100% capacity; the emergency service had to increase the number of beds available.

The raise on the number of cases is expected this time a year, however, it has forced CCSS to strengthen the emergency services in five clinics to clear some of the cases from the National Children’s Hospital.

The HRV causes cold like symptoms in children 5 and older, but in children under 5 years of age and specially those under 1 year old it can cause difficulty to breath, wheezing, and in some cases a bluish coloration around the mouth or difficulty to breastfeed.

The Ministry of Health recommends:
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid smoking
• Don’t take your children to crowded places
• Cover your mouth properly when sneezing
• Keep vaccinations up to date