Cases of killer childhood bug surge in babies – amid measles explosion fears

CASES of a deadly childhood virus have surged among babies, new figures reveal.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant death globally, killing thousands of children each year.

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This comes amid fears of a measles explosion following an outbreak in Cardiff.

RSV is a common infection of the lungs and respiratory tract, usually seen in the winter. 

It begins with cold-like symptoms, but if it moves into the lungs, it can lead to bronchiolitis – inflammation of the small airways in the lungs – and pneumonia.

Infection rates of the deadly bug have recently increased in the UK, especially among the youngest, most vulnerable age group.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there has been a nine per cent surge in cases among under 5s during the week ending October 29, compared to the week before.

The figures show there has also been a three per cent rise across all ages.

RSV cases followed a similar trajectory to last winter when infections were higher than usual due to kids having lower immunity after staying home during the various Covid lockdowns.

In September, experts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) warned thousands more babies could be hospitalised by RSV this winter because of delays to a new vaccine.

A trial showed the jab is highly effective, causing severe infection in 94.1 per cent of cases.

In the UK, about 30,000 babies and children under five need hospital treatment every year due to RSV, though fewer than 90 now die from it.

The UKHSA data also shows visits to A&E in under-fives for RSV-related illnesses tripled in the last week.

Over 30 per 100,000 of the population in that group were admitted for treatment – higher than any other age group.

This compared to just ten per 100,000 the week before.

Infections in older adults account for about 8,000 deaths, 14,000 hospitalisations and 175,000 GP appointments in the UK each year, more than flu during a typical winter season.

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Surveillance this week is showing further increases in RSV and RSV bronchiolitis in young children in laboratory testing and hospital emergency departments.

“While usually mild, RSV infection can cause breathing difficulties in babies and the elderly.

“Initial symptoms in infants are similar to a cold but can go on to include breathing more quickly or noisily and having difficulties feeding.”

MEASLES OUTBREAK

Meanwhile, seven children across Cardiff have tested positive for the measles virus.

Public Health Wales (PHW) has urged parents to protect their children by ensuring they are up to date with the MMR jabs.

MMR vaccination uptake is at a 12-year low, separate figures show, and cases of the bug are surging globally.

Measles is a highly infectious disease, spreading quickly from person to person, especially in schools.

Like RSV, it can also lead to pneumonia or even death in the most severe cases.

The Notification of Infectious Diseases report (NOIDS), which tracks suspected infectious disease cases in England and Wales, showed cases were rising across both England and Wales.

There were 451 suspected infections between July and October 22 – over double the 204 cases seen during the same period in 2022, the government data revealed.