A 40-year-old man has died in a private hospital after developing complications caused by infection with respiratory syncytial virus. According to available information, the man had underlying health conditions that aggravated the progression of the illness.
Confirmed death linked to RSV infection
The man passed away after complications caused by infection with respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. He was being treated at a private healthcare facility. Information indicates that pre-existing medical conditions contributed to the deterioration of his health.
What is respiratory syncytial virus
Respiratory syncytial virus is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people infected with RSV recover within about one week without the need for medical treatment.
However, RSV can lead to severe illness and death in infants under six months of age, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms of RSV
RSV affects different age groups in different ways. The most common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
Symptoms in infants & adults
Infants infected with RSV may present symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Reduced appetite
- Changes in breathing patterns
- Apnoea, meaning temporary pauses in breathing, especially during sleep
In children under the age of five, RSV may also cause rapid breathing, difficulty swallowing and sepsis.
Adults with RSV may experience symptoms including disorientation and difficulty breathing.
Potential complications
Although most RSV cases are mild, the virus can worsen chronic conditions and cause serious, potentially life-threatening complications. These include bronchiolitis in infants and young children, inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, and pneumonia.
In infants and young children, severe RSV infection requiring urgent medical care may cause shortness of breath. Warning signs include rapid, shallow breathing, flaring of the nostrils during inhalation, noisy breathing, pauses in breathing and a sunken chest. Parents are also advised to watch for blue or grey colouring of the lips, around the mouth or on the fingers, which indicates dangerously low oxygen levels in the blood.
Infants may also develop sepsis, a bloodstream infection that can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure, rapid heart rate and fever. Older adults with RSV may experience complications such as worsening heart or lung disease.
How RSV is transmitted
RSV is mainly transmitted from person to person through virus-containing droplets released into the air by an infected individual, particularly when speaking, singing, shouting, sneezing or coughing. These droplets can be inhaled by people nearby.
People infected with RSV typically spread the virus for three to eight days and can begin transmitting it one to two days before symptoms appear. Some infants and individuals with weakened immune systems can continue to spread RSV for four weeks or longer, even when symptoms appear to have improved.
Larger droplets can also settle on surfaces, where others may touch them and then become infected by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is a common route of transmission among infants and young children, who frequently touch contaminated surfaces and toys or place them in their mouths.
Measures to limit the spread of RSV
Basic preventive measures include:
- Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitiser
- Covering the nose and mouth when sneezing
- Avoiding contact with others when ill
Mild RSV cases usually require no treatment, as recovery typically occurs within a few days. Infants under six months of age may require hospitalisation for monitoring of breathing and blood oxygen levels.
In severe cases, hospital care includes supportive treatment, respiratory support and targeted treatment of any complications that may arise.