RSV Infections Trending Down Except in Egypt

While the respiratory virus season is likely past its peak, it is not over. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreaks exist in a few hot spots.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Update N° 465, in countries with RSV surveillance, activity was stable or decreased in most reporting countries except in South Africa and New South Wales (Australia), where detections slightly increased in this reporting period.

As of February 19, 2024, RSV positivity was still high in Egypt, though it slightly dropped compared with the last report.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on February 16, 2024, that RSV activity remained elevated but was decreasing nationally.

Other indicators, such as emergency department visits with diagnosed RSV and RSV test positivity, are also decreasing.

From a comparison perspective, the national RSV per capita hospitalization rate remains lower than the peak for last season, says the CDC.

Furthermore, the U.S. market has ample access to approved RSV adult vaccines. At this point in the season, 22% of adults 60 years and older have received an RSV vaccination. 

And a monoclonal antibody therapy (Beyfortus™) that delivers passive immunization to infants has become more available.