Iowa has seen an increase in the number of cases of RSV in recent weeks. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, last week there were 166 diagnosed cases. RSV is respiratory syncytial virus. It is a respiratory virus that may present with mild cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, but can be life-threatening for young children and people who are immunocompromised.

Washington County Public Health Administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski says RSV is common with most kids having it by the time they’re two years old. However it can be more detrimental for some children. She says there are steps that can be taken to help prevent the spread of RSV and other illnesses, “Controlling what you can control: covering your coughs, staying home when you’re sick, avoiding the sharing of utensils and cups, and kissing, because it is, it’s so easy for these babies to get so sick.”

Do not touch or kiss babies without a parent’s permission. RSV has been diagnosed in children in Washington County this season. Since the end of September, Iowa has had 776 positive results for RSV.