Pediatric viral trends - Jan. 5

Children’s Wisconsin, along with pediatric hospitals across the country, continues to see large numbers of children with viral infections. Below is hospital census information to help our community better understand how respiratory illnesses are impacting kids locally. As the only health system in Wisconsin dedicated to the health of kids, Children’s Wisconsin has the largest pediatric intensive care unit in the state.

This week’s takeaway

“Last year at this time, we were just starting to see an increase in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. As you know, this year’s viral season started much earlier and has been significant in its severity. Thankfully, we are starting to see a decrease in cases the last couple of weeks. While numbers are heading in the right direction, RSV and the flu are still circulating in our community. And with families and kids returning from holiday gatherings, we remain on alert.

Last week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported the first two pediatric deaths related to the flu in Wisconsin. The families of those children are in our thoughts and have our deepest sympathy.

This sad news is a tragic reminder of how serious the flu can be and how important it is to take measures to protect the Children in Wisconsin. Thank you for your continued collaboration."

Michael Gutzeit, MD
President of Primary Care, Children’s Wisconsin

For more information and data on respiratory viruses in Wisconsin, please see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report.

For more information and data on respiratory viruses in the United States, please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS).

Any questions? Please contact your physician liaison.

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