The children’s wards in Drenthe hospitals are busy due to young patients with the RS virus. The virus, which mainly affects babies and young children, returns every year in the autumn and winter.
“For a few weeks now we have seen an increase in the number of children with the RS virus admitted to the children’s department in Emmen,” reports a spokesperson for Treant Zorggroep, with hospitals in Emmen, Hoogeveen and Stadskanaal. “But that is no different from other years.”
No sick children are admitted to the Isala hospital in Meppel; they go to the location in Zwolle. “There are currently fourteen children in Zwolle, half of whom have the RS virus. That number is comparable to other years. We usually see this peak around January. Last year it already started in November, so now it is a bit later “, a spokesperson said.
The crowds have no influence on the rest of the care. “We are prepared for this by adjusting our staff planning. The virus emerges every year, so you have to be flexible.” In serious cases, children are transferred to the intensive care unit (IC) in Groningen. This has now happened to some children.
They also see children with the RS virus at the Wilhelmina Hospital Assen (WZA). The children’s department is busy, but not full, says a spokesperson. “The number of admissions is in line with the national trend. For the time being, we have no capacity problems and there is no impact on other care. If a child needs more intensive care, they are transferred to an ICU elsewhere.”
The RS virus rears its head every year around this time. It can be especially dangerous for premature babies, children with Down syndrome and children with congenital heart defects. The virus can lead to serious complaints, such as pneumonia and shortness of breath.
Yet relief appears to be on the way. A shot that can prevent the RS virus will become available in the Netherlands next autumn. According to the RIVM, this shot will prevent approximately 80 percent of hospital admissions due to RS virus.