Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreak in the NICU: description of eight cases

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been recognized as a major nosocomial hazard on pediatric wards. Because of maternally acquired antibodies, symptomatic RSV infection is rare in term neonates. During an outbreak of RSV in our neonatal ICU, 12 infants (gestational age = 34 +/- 5 weeks) remained RSV negative. In contrast, eight preterm infants (gestational age = 28 +/- 2 weeks) became RSV positive. Four infants became very sick with RSV and required mechanical ventilation and support. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developed in two of them resulting in death of one of them. Control measures were effective in controlling the outbreak. We conclude that during an RSV outbreak in the neonatal ICU, the attack rate is higher in preterm infants born at lower gestational age resulting in significant mortality and morbidity.