A spike in the number of severe respiratory infections has prompted a warning from health officials.
Alberta Health Services reported an unusually high number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases Thursday. Data shows more RSV outbreaks and positive lab specimens across the province so far this year than in the 2015/16 season in full.
“Though not unusual for us to see this illness each season, the volume is higher, which means heightened risk, particularly for infants,” said Dr. Gerry Predy, senior medical officer of health for AHS.
RSV causes many of the same symptoms as a bad cold, including a cough, stuffy or runny nose, mild sore throat, earache and fever, but can lead to more severe respiratory complications, such as bronchiolitis (an infection of the small airways) and pneumonia, especially in infants and young children.
Since RSV is not preventable by vaccine and considered highly contagious, AHS is stressing preventative measures to protect the vulnerable.
“What we ask of you is simple: if you’re feeling sick, don’t visit the vulnerable. This includes infants, seniors and those with compromised immune systems,” said Predy.
As of Thursday, AHS had confirmed 14 RSV outbreaks, compared to nine in the full 2015/16 flu and cold season. More than 2,000 positive lab specimens were confirmed for RSV as of Tuesday. In 2015/16 there were approximately 1,300 positive lab specimens for entire season.
In Edmonton zone, there have been 515 confirmed cases, compared to 391 in the 2015/16 season.
