RSV Season Begins in Florida

In the United States, community outbreaks of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically occur during late fall, winter, and early spring.

However, recent data indicates the state of Florida has been the location where RSV cases are initially reported each year.

As of July 22, 2023, the Florida Department of Health segmented reported RSV activity had been identified in a few counties, and the southeast area was in-season, but no community outbreaks.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say RSV can be contagious for 3 to 8 days in an infected person and is spread by coughs or sneezes. And healthcare providers should consider RSV in patients with respiratory illness.

Infants and children with RSV infection may have rhinorrhea and decreased appetite before other symptoms appear. Additionally, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can spread RSV after not showing signs for up to one month.

As of July 18, 2023, laboratories reported to the CDC the total number of RSV tests performed and those tests that were positive. 

From a prevention perspective, the U.S. FDA has recently approved RSV vaccines and a second antibody therapy for children.