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CDC reports surge in RSV-related ER visits across Georgia

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Published  December 20, 2024 10:43pm EST
Health
FOX 5 Atlanta

RSV is on the rise in Georgia, CDC says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a sharp rise in emergency room visits from RSV in Georgia. RSV is a respiratory virus with symptoms similar to the flu or COVID-19. Doctors are urging families preparing for holiday gatherings to take precautions.

The Brief

    • The CDC reports a significant increase in emergency room visits due to RSV in Georgia, with levels higher than the flu and COVID-19.
    • Dr. Ngozika Orjioke notes a rise in RSV cases at her practice, reflecting a statewide trend, and suggests that low testing rates may lead to underreporting.
    • RSV poses a higher risk to individuals with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to viral and bacterial pneumonia.
    • The virus spreads rapidly among children and can be easily transmitted to vulnerable groups, prompting recommendations for mask-wearing and vaccination for high-risk individuals.
    • Dr. Orjioke's center is the only site in Atlanta involved in a trial for an experimental RSV treatment, highlighting the lack of current treatments or cures.

ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a sharp rise in emergency room visits from RSV in Georgia. 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has symptoms similar to the flu or COVID-19. 

Pulmonologist Dr. Ngozika Orjioke says her exam rooms at Covenant Pulmonary Critical Care have been filling recently with patients who likely have RSV. 

"Here in the practice, we've definitely had an increase of our pulmonary patients that have come in with cough, fever, chills," she said. 

And the trend in her office matches the one happening statewide. 

According to wastewater data from the CDC, levels of RSV in Georgia are higher than the flu and COVID-19. 

The CDC classifies the number of people going to the ER for RSV as "very high" and says it’s continuing to increase. 

Dr. Orjioke says because of low testing rates, the numbers are likely much higher. 

"So potentially there could be an underreporting because people are not actually testing every single person who comes in with the symptoms for RSV," Dr. Orjioke said. 

She says while most people recover well from RSV, those with weakened immune systems are very much at risk. 

"And that potentially means that you can get RSV, get the viral pneumonia, and potentially get a bacterial pneumonia on top of that," Dr. Orjioke said. 

She says the virus often spreads quickly through children but can easily be transmitted to an elderly relative or caregiver. 

"We're going to be gathering for the holidays, all sorts of holidays…but for you, who has heart failure? For you, who has COPD? If you have chronic lung disease, end-stage renal disease, just wear a mask!" Dr. Orjioke said. 

She says for those with preexisting illnesses and/or over age 74, getting the RSV vaccine is a good idea. 

There currently isn’t a treatment or cure for RSV. 

Dr. Orjioke says her center is currently the only site in Atlanta participating in a trial for an experimental RSV treatment drug. 

To learn more about participating in the study, you can call Covenant Pulmonary Critical Care at 404-254-5388.

The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Eric Mock.

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