Vandenbroucke: “There is an RSV epidemic in young children, but an outbreak is not unheard of” | Interior

Several pediatric hospitals sounded the alarm last week due to the large number of young patients with respiratory infections, such as the RSV virus. As winter sets in, there is traditionally an increase in the number of respiratory illnesses, but according to hospitals, the outbreak is “unprecedented” this year.

Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke refuted this today in the parliamentary committee. There is indeed an epidemic, and the number of positive RSV tests is now higher than the previous two winters. But the numbers are lower than in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, the years before the corona pandemic, he said.

The Vooruit deputy prime minister indicated that there are nevertheless difficulties in the field and spoke of “increasing pressure”. In addition, hospital staff are still tired after the corona pandemic and there is a staff shortage. But the so-called Hospital & Transport Surge Capacity Committee (HTSC) has not received any reports of deferred care or calls for federal regulation to date. There are contacts with the hospitals, it was said.

LOOK. “The pressure is great at the pediatric departments, but every child in need gets a hospital bed,” said Vandenbroucke this weekend at ‘VTM Nieuws’

According to Vandenbroucke, there is not yet an explanation for the RSV upsurge. But this may be due to the hygiene measures that were applied during corona and are now less in use, such as mouth masks or social distancing.

The same measures are now recommended to prevent the further spread of RSV. “If you feel sick, stay at home. If your child feels sick, keep it at home,” said Vandenbroucke, who also recommended wearing a mouth mask on public transport.

LOOK. Virologist Steven Van Gucht recommends postponing meetings with young babies: “We are now in the middle of the RSV season. Be aware of that”