Respiratory Outbreak Hospitalizing NJ Kids: What To Know

NEW JERSEY — Increased cases of respiratory illnesses have sickened children around the world and across New Jersey, federal health officials said in a warning issued this week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the increase in such illnesses, including pneumonia, occurs every year. Numbers are slightly elevated this year compared to pre-pandemic years.

"These increases are likely caused by viruses and bacteria we expect to see during the respiratory illness season," the CDC said.

There is no belief among health experts that the spikes are due to a new virus. Local and state officials in many parts of the country remain on alert, however.

The weekly percentage of emergency department visits among children that have diagnosed pneumonia is now at an elevated level, according to the most recent data. It sits at 1.7 percent for children one-year-old and younger, 2.4 percent for children between 2 and 4, and 1.5 percent for children 5 to 17-years-old.

While elevated, these numbers are still "roughly in line" with previous years, officials said, noting that they're carefully surveilling the situation.

"The CDC has been monitoring increases in respiratory illness reported recently around the world, including in China and several European countries," the organization added. "CDC is working closely with international, state, and local public health partners to maintain strong situational awareness."

State-by-state data is not yet available for 2023, and the New Jersey Department of Health has not issued a separate warning on the illnesses. In 2021, the most recent year of full data for pneumonia, the state had 1,156 pneumonia deaths.

"Besides keeping a close eye on developments in New Jersey, the NJ Department of Health has been actively monitoring situations in China, Europe, and various regions across the United States. Although an uptick in respiratory illnesses and hospitalizations is anticipated through the end of the year, the state Health Department currently does not foresee a substantial increase and the department continues to closely monitor disease progression and hospital capacity," said NJ Department of Health Deputy Director Nancy Kearney.

Children who have pneumonia should get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids to fight the infection. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be used to relieve a fever, and parents should take their child to a doctor anytime that symptoms persist.

"The department continues to encourage all residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations, including the flu and 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines, and the RSV vaccine, if eligible, and to take everyday precautions such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and similar measures to prevent the spread of disease," said Kearney. "The department also encourages health care providers to stay vigilant for other possible sources of pediatric pneumonia and respiratory illnesses, including mycoplasma pneumonia, adenovirus, and other viruses commonly circulating this time of year."