​Pneumonia outbreak among kids in Massachusetts: Upper viral respiratory infections in kids seen mostly​

Cases of pneumonia, driven by known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae, is spreading fast in China. Several countries like India are on alert and are prepared to tackle the infection. Meanwhile, reports of a surge in pneumonia cases in Massachusetts have come to the fore. Massachusetts has become the second US state to report a large uptick in the number of child pneumonia cases amid a mysterious viral outbreak in China, NewYork Post reported.

As per health experts, RSV is the causing behind this uptick in infections. As per health experts, a lot of kids are having upper viral respiratory infections like cough, runny nose and fever. "Neither outbreak is being caused by a novel pathogen and not all of the pneumonia cases are being caused by the same infection. Experts say a mixture of several seasonal bacterial and viral bugs are hitting at once, putting pressure on hospitals," Daily Mail reported.

RSV or Respiratory syncytial virus usually causes mild or cold-like symptoms. "Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization," the US CDC says.

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The common symptoms seen in those infected with RSV are runny nose, reduced appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. "These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties," says the US CDC on the symptoms.

RSV spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and a healthy individual gets the droplets in the eyes, nose and mouth. Individuals infected with RSV remain contagious for over a week. "People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks. Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as in school or childcare centers. They can then transmit the virus to other members of the family," the US CDC explains.

Preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection involves frequent handwashing, especially before touching the face, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Practicing good respiratory hygiene by covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing helps prevent virus spread. Keeping commonly touched surfaces clean and avoiding crowded places during peak RSV seasons are additional preventive measures. High-risk groups, such as infants and elderly individuals, may benefit from vaccination and should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms arise. Regular communication with healthcare providers is crucial for those at risk of severe RSV complications.