Increase in Upper Respiratory Infections: 70% of Pediatric Ward Occupied

Speaking to Turkish News Agency Cyprus (TAK), Oygar highlighted a decline in Covid-19 cases among children but an uptick in influenza (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases. She observed a significant rise in RSV cases this week, with symptoms including nasal congestion, cough, and sometimes high fever.

Hospital Admissions and Current Statistics
The pediatric ward has 22 inpatients, including 18 children with flu-like illnesses. The Pediatric Emergency Unit sees an average of 160 daily admissions, a 50% increase compared to previous months. Oygar emphasized that this trend is typical for the season, stating, “We encounter similar situations every winter; there is no cause for alarm.”

Despite the rise in cases, the number of children requiring intensive care is lower than last year. In December, three children were admitted to intensive care due to complications from upper respiratory infections, with only one child currently in the unit.

Alignment with European Data
Oygar noted that local data aligns with statistics shared by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Preventative Measures
Oygar recommended preventive measures such as avoiding crowded places, practicing hand hygiene, and isolating sick children at home until recovery. She also emphasized the importance of wearing masks for infected individuals to prevent transmission.

Vaccination Recommendations
Oygar advocated for influenza vaccination starting at six months old, especially for children with chronic conditions. While RSV vaccination is relatively new and not widely available, she recommended monoclonal antibodies for high-risk groups, such as premature infants and children with congenital heart disease, which are administered in Northern Cyprus.

HMPV Not a New Threat
Addressing concerns about the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), recently detected in South Cyprus, Oygar clarified that it is not a new virus or a pandemic threat. HMPV, which causes symptoms like fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough, has been present globally and in Northern Cyprus for years.

Oygar added that most children are exposed to HMPV by the age of five and reiterated the importance of isolating sick individuals to curb the spread of infections.