Lazio, spread of RSV in children

In Lazio, cases of bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to be reported among infants and younger children, requiring hospitalization and respiratory support in the most severe cases. At the ‘Bambino Gesù’ pediatric hospital, 32 children are hospitalized, four in intensive care. At ‘San Camillo’ Hospital, at least three children are treated for bronchiolitis, while at the ‘Policlinico Gemelli’ four children are hospitalized in Pediatrics and two others in Intensive Care. In the last two weeks, a total of around 90 cases have been reported, all of which attributed to RSV infections. Of these, one in six (i.e. 15) needed to be cared for in the Pediatric Intensive Unit. According to Francesco Cognetti, coordinator of the FOSCC (Forum of Scientific Societies of Italian Hospital and University Clinicians), the increase in RSV infection cases is due to delays in the vaccination campaign with monoclonal antibody in the Lazio region. In addition, the currently ordered doses seem insufficient to cover newborns, about 20-25 thousand between April 2024 and March 2025, as the scientific societies advise. The latest regional data indicate that about 700 doses were administered, 600 of which by vaccination centres of local health authorities and free choice paediatricians.