Health officials advise caution as RSV cases rise in Wisconsin

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A week into the new year, a word of caution from health officials as the number of positive RSV cases rise. Since Oct. 1, 14 people have died from RSV in Wisconsin, including two children.

Nine respiratory viruses similar to Covid are on the rise. So is the flu, but RSVs numbers seem to be in the lead right now.

"It's fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, troubling getting your air. For a small infant, they tug at their chest and look like they're breathing fast," said Dr. Gregory DeMuri, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

We were there for the Friday night rush at Mitchell International Airport. Arnette and Verdette Thomas are twins with a lot in common, but with sickness on the rise, something is visibly different about them.

"Like, you got a mask. You don't have a mask I got one. I just don't have it on," said Arnette Thomas, traveled to Milwaukee from Tennessee.

"This Covid is still going around, so you have to protect yourself," said Verdette Thomas, traveled to Milwaukee from Arkansas.

Masks are not required at the airport, but for anyone who's so inclined, they are available at the information desk.

Dr. Gregory DeMuri says any age can get RSV. Symptoms tend to be worse for the young, the old, those with a heart condition, COPD or asthma.

"Your ability to catch it is probably about the same as somebody who doesn't have asthma, but you're gonna have a rougher time with it," said Dr. DeMuri.

Right now, the RSV vaccine's only for those over age 60 or pregnant, and there's also a vaccine-like compound available for infants six months and under.

"It's important that families think about that. Right now, there's a shortage of this. It's called Beyfortus, is the brand name for that," said Dr. DeMuri.

Hospitals in seven states, including Wisconsin, have reinstated their mask requirement. UW Health patients, visitors and staff at the hospital and clinic must mask up. At this time, Froedtert is requiring masks only when showing respiratory symptoms and in specific areas as indicated by signage.

As for travel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises masks in crowded or tight spaces, and in poorly ventilated areas like airport jetways.

"The air in an airplane turns over relatively quickly, the ventilation is actually quite good, but you are sitting very close to a lot of people," said Dr. DeMuri.

"I mean it wasn't a full plane so obviously there was like people sitting away from each other, but no one was wearing a mask," said Chloe Green, traveled from Dallas to Milwaukee.

"So, I'm just taking the precautions, so we don't miss out on any schools, on any fun activities, plans that we have for weekends, so yeah, just being a little cautious," said Nish Nirmal, traveling from Milwaukee to New Jersey.