Pneumonia hospitalizations among children up 30% in Central Virginia, according to Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Pediatric pneumonia cases requiring hospitalization are "up 30% in Central Virginia," according to a news release from the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Dr. Christopher Doern, director of microbiology at VCU Health, said the increase may be the result of increases in rhinovirus and enterovirus. “The last time we saw this phenomenon was in 2014 during the EVD68 outbreak,” Doern said. “I don't have any speculation as to why this is only being observed in Central Virginia and would be surprised if it doesn't soon disseminate to the rest of the region and beyond.” According to the release, there may be a new strain of rhinovirus or enterovirus that is more harmful -- something that happens every six to 10 years. There is an expectation that the pneumonia increase could worsen as pollen and mold counts rise with the fall weather -- conditions that increase the spread of respiratory viral infections like rhinovirus and enterovirus. If families notice the following symptoms in their children, they are encouraged to bring them to the emergency room: High fever Higher than 100.4˚F for infants younger than three months old Higher than 102.2˚F in children older than three months old Inability to drink liquids or vomiting so much that they are not regularly urinating Fewer than three wet diapers per day in an infant Using the bathroom less than once per day in older children Dry lips or mouth Difficulty breathing or catching their breath Seeing their ribs with each breath Belly breathing more than usual Gasping for air Inability to speak if they’re typically verbal If your child has asthma and is needing more than four breathing treatments per day or having no response to breathing treatments According to the release, at-home treatment for mild symptoms can include lots of fluids, Tylenol or Motrin for pain relief and following asthma plan instructions for children who have them. To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, experts recommend: Washing your hands and your child's hands Staying home away from others until symptoms improve and there has been no fever for 24 hours without the assistance of fever-reducing medication Getting the flu vaccine Staying up-to-date on COVID vaccines Getting all childhood vaccines on schedule Wearing a mask if tolerated For more information, you can read the whole release at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU's website.