(WHTM) – Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are “increasing rapidly” in Pennsylvania and reached a season high this week, according to the Department of Health.
In new data examining cases through January 24, the Health Department says cases are “especially” increasing among those 0-4 years old, with 1,680 cases reported.
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There have been 10,882 laboratory-confirmed RSV cases in Pennsylvania since September 28, 2025, when the respiratory virus season began.
For the week ending January 17, there were 289 new adult hospital admissions and 185 new pediatric hospital admissions for RSV. More than 1,700 adults and more than 1,200 children have been hospitalized in Pennsylvania since September 28.
Hospitalizations for RSV in Pennsylvania are very low compared to January 2025, when more than 1,000 adults were hospitalized in the second week of January.
Cases of RSV were especially high in southeast and south central Pennsylvania, including Dauphin, Cumberland, York, and Lancaster counties.
According to the Mayo Clinic, RSV causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract with symptoms including congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache.
Severe cases that spread to the lower respiratory tract may cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
RSV can cause severe infections in young children, older adults, those who are immunocompromised, and individuals with heart and lung disease.
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