The Changing Epidemiology of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction/Objective

The epidemiology of a virus can be based on its evolving virulence, environmental and societal factors. Here we analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Methods/Case Report

A 5-year retrospective study performed at Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, analyzed 390 RSV positive cases by Lab PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for adult and pediatric patients, between the months of July- December, 2017-2021. Cases were divided into two groups - pre-pandemic and pandemic. Data was collected for both groups and categorized by age, gender, admission rate, summer months (July-September), winter months (October-December) and COVID-vaccination-status. A chi-square analysis was used to compare the above categorized data between both groups.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

Out of 390 cases, the annual incidence of RSV, pre-pandemic averaged at 71. This number fell drastically to 9 cases in 2020 followed by an overwhelming 168 cases in 2021. The incidence of cases in 2021 was higher in the summer months compared to pre-pandemic days, p<.00001. Additionally, the incidence of cases in children <5 years was greater during 2021, p=0.0014. Of note, no individuals <20 years of age, reported positive in 2020. Of the population eligible for the COVID19 vaccine, 24% of those who tested positive had also been vaccinated. There was no significant difference reported with regards to other age groups, gender or admission rates.

Conclusion

Adequate social distancing and non-pharmaceutical interventions (masks, handwashing etc.) can explain the sharp decline in cases in 2020. RSV appears to have evolved to a more virulent strain ever since, resulting in more infections during the summer months, especially targeting children under the age of 5.