Health officials in Réunion are closely monitoring a surge in bronchiolitis cases, a common respiratory illness affecting young children, with 32 hospitalizations reported in the last week alone. [[2]] While typically circulating during the warmer months,this outbreak is prompting renewed calls for preventative measures to protect infants and newborns,who are particularly vulnerable to severe complications. [[3]] A vaccination campaign targeting RSV – the primary cause of bronchiolitis – began in September, offering a layer of protection for the island’s youngest residents.
32 hospitalizations
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He added, “The child needs to breathe; this is a disease that can be fatal if left untreated.”
The symptoms
“This is a viral illness caused by a virus that leads to more or less severe breathing difficulties in children,” explains Dr. Madani Pouyfaucon. “It causes a strident cough with wheezing on exhalation. It prevents children from eating and can be accompanied by fever and a runny nose.”
The symptoms can be particularly concerning for parents of infants, as the illness can quickly impact a child’s ability to feed and breathe comfortably.
Preventative Measures
Vaccination for Protection
“There are two vaccines available, one for pregnant women and another for infants,” explains Barbara Benoît, a pharmacist. She has observed an increase in these vaccinations at her pharmacy in recent months. This increased uptake of vaccination is a positive step in protecting vulnerable infants from severe RSV infection.
