Rep. Samoa reports 50 children diagnosed with RSV

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As of yesterday, about 50 young children have been affected by the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). This was the report to the House by Rep. Andra Theresa Samoa, chair of the House Health Committee.

Samoa told faipule that the situation is getting serious and members of the community and parents are advised to take care of their young children.

According to the Department of Health, the RSV outbreak is still on going. According to data and a report from the LBJ Emergency Room and Pediatric Clinics, there has been a significant increase in the number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.

“RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United Stated.”

ASG is taking steps to slow down the spread of infection.