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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Surveillance Data

Purpose

To provide a snapshot of RSV circulation within Rhode Island. Current surveillance shows national and local increases in RSV and a national increase in RSV-associated hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

Key Points

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV 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 of age in the United States.

Data Source

Data below represent all molecular respiratory tests run at Lifespan facilities, including inpatient testing, emergency department testing, and outpatient testing. These data are generously provided by Lifespan to RIDOH weekly from rapid molecular multiplex assays, respiratory pathogen panels, and single-pathogen COVID molecular assays.

Surveillance Note

RSV is not an individually reportable disease in Rhode Island. Therefore, the total number of RSV infections in Rhode Island is not known. Data on this page represent RSV circulation in Rhode Island but should not be used to calculate rates or case counts.