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IDPH Sees Spike In Reported RSV Cases Throughout Iowa

Recorded incidences of a virus, which causes cold-like symptoms in most patients, has spiked recently in Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) 872 positive respiratory syncytial  virus (RSV) cases were found in 4,702 specimens, or about 18.5 percent of samples tested. RSV is a common virus that generally causes mild symptoms, and most people recover in under two weeks. In some cases, specifically in premature infants, those under six months of age, over 65 years old, or patients with chronic respiratory, heart or immune conditions, it can cause severe illness. Each year in the United States, nearly 60,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized due to RSV and 14,000 older adults die. While no vaccine currently exists for the virus, there are methods to reduce risk of infection. To curb the spread of RSV, the department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend individuals wash their hands frequently, avoid contact with sick individuals whenever possible, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and to regularly clean any frequently used surfaces. For more information on RSV, follow the links included with this story on our website.

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https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/pdf/guidelines/isolation-guidelines-H.pdf

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