First RSV-Associated Pediatric Death Reported In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — An eastern Riverside County child under the age of 4 has died after contracting a respiratory illness that is possibly linked to Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, health officials reported Monday.

"The RSV-associated pediatric death is the first reported in Riverside County and underscores the early onset of what is expected to be an active winter season countywide for influenza, COVID and other respiratory illnesses," according to a news release issued Monday from the county health department.

The child died late last week at a local hospital after a short illness. The child's name and city of residence were not being released, according to health officials.

“The loss of a child is devastating and all of Public Health sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and anyone impacted by this tragic event,” Riverside County Public Officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung said in a released statement.

Leung is urging parents to take precautions to protect their children as officials report seeing an increase in influenza and RSV in young children. He noted the following recommendations will help prevent the spread of RSV and other diseases:

• Wash hands frequently
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Keep children home when sick
• Consider indoor masking
• Disinfect frequently used surfaces

A medicine called palivizumab can help protect some babies at high risk for severe RSV disease, according to the county health department. Healthcare providers usually give the drug to very premature infants and young children with certain heart and lung conditions as a series of monthly shots during RSV season, the agency reported.

If you are concerned about your child’s risk for severe RSV infection, talk to your pediatrician, the health department advised.

"RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be particularly serious for infants and older adults each winter. The RSV season typically lasts from November to March, but this year began early and seems to be affecting more kids than previous seasons. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year old in the United States," according to Monday's news release.

"Symptoms can include shallow or difficulty breathing, cough, poor appetite, listlessness or irritability and it can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs)," the release stated.

Residents are advised to call their healthcare provider and seek immediate medical attention if a child or anyone is having difficulty breathing.

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions FAQs about RSV, click here.