Health advisory: RSV season extended in Illinois amid elevated activity

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PERRY COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — The Perry County Health Department is alerting residents that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has been extended through the end of April due to higher-than-expected activity.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported current RSV positivity rates at about 8%, well above the 3% threshold typically used to mark the end of the season.

Health officials say RSV continues to spread in communities, with infants, older adults and high-risk individuals remaining especially vulnerable. Low vaccination rates are also contributing to an increased risk of severe illness.

Officials recommend RSV protection for infants younger than 8 months, high-risk children entering their second RSV season, adults 75 and older, high-risk adults ages 50 to 74, and pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks.

The health department is also encouraging residents to take preventative measures, including staying up to date on vaccinations, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.

Additional precautions include improving indoor ventilation, wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and limiting infants’ exposure to large crowds and sick individuals.

Health officials say RSV and other respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, are still circulating at elevated levels and urge residents to remain cautious.

Residents with questions about vaccines or their risk are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or the Perry County Health Department.