MCHENRY COUNTY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The McHenry County Department of Health is reporting a death from RSV.
The department said it’s the first pediatric death of the season attributed to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's a highly contagious virus that can cause severe respiratory illness, particularly in infants and young children and also older adults.
The health department said cases among infants and toddlers have been on the rise over the past four weeks and added parents should watch for cold-like symptoms.
If they progress to breathing difficulty, a wheezing cough or a blue tint to the lips, they should immediately seek medical care.
Cases among those 65 and older remain low.That’s attributed to the effectiveness of the RSV vaccine.
The virus spreads through droplets from coughs, sneezes or contaminated surfaces.
The health department said infants can be infected by family members or siblings who may have been exposed.
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