The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is continuing to see a significant increase of RSV, which includes outbreaks in at least 13 local childcare facilities.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
Health Director Pat Lopez said high levels of RSV in the community, combined with COVID-19 and influenza cases can put a strain on the health care system. “While there is no vaccine for RSV, there are safe and effective vaccines to help prevent COVID-19 and flu. I urge residents to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and get their annual flu vaccine now to protect themselves and their families and help preserve hospital capacity,” Lopez says.
There have been 238 cases of RSV in Lancaster County in October. There were 65 cases in September and 26 cases in August.