CDC alerts clinicians to spike in RSV cases in southeastern US

Key takeaways:

• In recent weeks, parts of the southeastern U.S. have seen increases in RSV activity.
• Although immunizations are now available for both infants and older adults, about 70% of older adults are unaware of this.

The CDC issued a health alert notifying clinicians about recent spikes in respiratory syncytial virus activity.

The increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have taken place in recent weeks across some parts of the southeastern United States, according to the agency, indicating “a continued shift toward seasonal RSV trends observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Historically, such regional increases have predicted the beginning of RSV season nationally, with increased RSV activity spreading north and west” over the next 2 to 3 months, according to the health alert. “In anticipation of the onset of the 2023-2024 RSV season, CDC encourages clinicians to prepare to implement new RSV prevention options.”

Among other hot spots, RSV-associated hospitalizations have increased in Georgia, rising from two hospitalizations per 100,000 population for the week ending Aug. 5 to seven per 100,000 for the week ending Aug. 19. Most cases occurred among infants younger than 1 year, according to the CDC.

Last month, the CDC recommended infants be immunized with a monoclonal antibody against RSV that was approved by the FDA in July. The agency also said in June that older adults in the U.S. “may receive” one of two approved RSV vaccines after consulting with their physician. (Editor’s note: Read more about the CDC’s recommendation and what it means for older adults here, and read about what primary care physicians should know about the vaccines here.)

Although two new vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV disease, a Foresight 50+ monthly omnibus survey conducted from July 20 to 24 that included interviews with 1,012 adults aged 50 years and older in the U.S. reported that the majority — about 70% — had not heard about an RSV vaccine, and that the awareness, or lack thereof, was consistent across multiple demographics.

A similar number of older adults surveyed (73%) said they were unsure whether they would get an RSV vaccine (53%) or definitely would not receive it (20%). Among the top reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns about vaccine development and approval (38%), the adverse events (43%) and a lack of concern about becoming seriously ill due to RSV (30%).

Reference:

• NORC at the University of Chicago. Older adults’ awareness of new RSV vaccine and willingness to receive it. https://www.norc.org/research/projects/older-adults-awareness-new-rsv-vaccine-willingness-to-receive.html. Published Sept. 5, 2023. Accessed Sept. 6, 2023.