Respiratory Syncytial Virus, 2017

Surveillance for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) began as a pilot for cases who were hospitalized, <2 years of age, and had laboratory confirmed RSV from October 1, 2014-April 30, 2015. For the 2016-2017 respiratory season (October 1 – April 30), surveillance was expanded to include laboratory- confirmed RSV in hospitalized persons >18 years of age, with cases being identified retrospectively for the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons. Beginning in September 2016, RSV became reportable for all hospitalized residents of the metropolitan area who have laboratory-confirmed RSV.

From October 1, 2017-April 30, 2018, 1,090 cases were reported (18.8 cases per 100,000 persons) compared to 739 cases (13.4 cases per 100,000) in 2016-2017. The median age of cases was 11 months (range 1 week – 101 years). Sixty-four percent (688) were <2 years, 9% (93) were 2-4 years, 4% were 5-17 years, 4% (46) were 18-49 years, 6% (66) were 50-64 years, and 12% (133) were ≥65 years of age. Of 196 (18%) cases with a known subtype, 15% (29) had RSV subtype A, 83% (163) had RSV subtype B.

Thirteen RSV-associated deaths were reported. The median age of RSV cases who died was 68 years (range 48-93), and 12 cases who died had underlying medical conditions. The most common underlying conditions included cardiovascular disease (67%), immunocompromised conditions (42%), and metabolic diseases (42%). Additionally, 75% RSV-associated deaths had a history of smoking.

• For more information see>> Reporting Q Fever
  
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2017