Infant who died in Riverside County tested positive for RSV, health officials say

Health officials say the child, who wasn't a year old yet, died at the hospital after suffering from "respiratory difficulties."
Friday, January 19, 2024
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- An infant from Riverside County who died earlier this month tested positive for RSV, health officials announced.

According to county health officials, the child, who wasn't a year old yet, died at the hospital after suffering from "respiratory difficulties."
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No other information about the child was released.

"Public Health mourns the loss of any life, but the death of a child is particularly difficult," said Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari. "It is a loss for the community and reminds us to rededicate ourselves to doing what we can to prevent such tragedies."

The death was reported as respiratory cases -- including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID -- have been rising across the country.

Health officials are urging those who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during September through January to get one dose of maternal RSV vaccine.
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Immunization is also recommended for children younger than 8 months who were born during or are entering their first RSV season if the mother didn't get the RSV vaccine during her pregnancy.



The county said everyone 6 months or older should be vaccinated against the flu. The current COVID vaccines are also available to those 6 months or older.

For more information, visit RUHealth.org.

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