Cavan has high rate of RSV circulating

More than one sixth of cases are currently in the over-65 cohort.

Cavan has among the highest rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the country, alongside several other neighbouring counties.

Donegal and Leitrim are similarly high on the list with rates based on confirmed cases per 100,000 population.

Others include Sligo, Westmeath, Mayo, with flu numbers also on the rise across the country, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Infections are increasing across all age groups, but mainly in children aged four and younger.

More than one sixth of cases are currently in the over-65 cohort.

Last week the HPSC issued a number of stark warnings as the HSE urged people to help limit the spread of RSV to protect children and newborns.

They also warned about the spread of the Norovirus, one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis, notifications for which almost doubled, and for influenza with 72 new cases reported in week ending December 3.

Since October 2023 (season to date), 826 confirmed influenza cases have been reported to HPSC.

Last week management at Cavan General imposed a new set of visiting restrictions aimed at helping prevent the transmission of infection to already vulnerable patients.

It followed an escalation notice after the hospital’s Emergency Department once again experienced high volumes of patients, and as a result asked those in need of non-urgent medical care access alternative pathways to care.