Low levels of respiratory syncytial virus activity in Europe during the 2020/21 season: what can we expect in the coming summer and autumn/winter?

Euro Surveill. 2021 Jul;26(29):2100639. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.29.2100639.

Abstract

Since the introduction of non-pharmacological interventions to control COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in Europe has been limited. Surveillance data for 17 countries showed delayed RSV epidemics in France (≥ 12 w) and Iceland (≥ 4 w) during the 2020/21 season. RSV cases (predominantly small children) in France and Iceland were older compared with previous seasons. We hypothesise that future RSV epidemic(s) could start outside the usual autumn/winter season and be larger than expected. Year-round surveillance of RSV is of critical importance.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; RSV; Respiratory syncytial virus; epidemiology; surveillance data.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Iceland / epidemiology
  • Infant
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Seasons