‘Dramatic’ increase in cases of serious respiratory virus at children’s hospitals

The three children's hospitals in Dublin have seen  a "dramatic" increase in the number of young patients with a serious respiratory virus over the last few weeks.

An outbreak of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common cause of pneumonia in kids who are under the age of one, has led to major patient delays in the three hospitals. A spokesperson for the Children's Hospital Group said that an increase in the number of cases has led to a major rise in people attending and being admitted into the three hospitals. She also warned that the virus is expected to continue at "peak levels" for another three to four weeks. She explained:

"While this occurs every winter, the increase in presentations to our EDs has been more dramatic this season. "Some babies and children with this virus can become very unwell requiring supportive treatment and prolonged hospital admissions. "Based on previous infection control data it is anticipated that this virus will continue to be at peak levels for the next three to four weeks."

The A&Es at the hospitals are open, but patients are warned that they may see long delays at this time. Parents are urged to seek advice from their local GP, when possible, rather than bringing their child to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, Temple Street Children's University Hospital, or the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght. The spokesperson added: