RSV cases on the rise at Norton Children’s Hospital

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Norton Healthcare is seeing a spike in respiratory syncytial virus, much higher and earlier in the year than last year.

Currently, the hospital has admitted 28 patients who have RSV. The disease is the leading cause of hospitalizations for children under five years of age.

Dr. Mark Brockman, a pediatrician with Norton, says that parents should not hesitate to contact their pediatrician if they believe something is not right with their child, especially young children and infants. He also gave a few examples of things to look out for.

“The biggest thing is that I warn parents and to watch out for I would be that work of breathing that your child is experiencing. Are they breathing faster? Are they using their belly? Will see a child who has maybe a severe case of RSV using those extra muscles to breathe that might be sucking in on the ribs,” Brockman said.