Background: The aims of this study are to define the length of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season throughout Florida and evaluate the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines on the administration of palivizumab in light of the Florida data.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed four seasons of monthly RSV surveillance data housed on the Florida Department of Health website for regional trends in RSV outbreaks.
Results: RSV circulated year round in Florida, with December being the peak month for RSV activity statewide. Regional virology data showed consistent patterns throughout the observation period, and all regions experienced widespread RSV activity for at least seven months of the year. The southeast region experienced the longest RSV seasons (10-12 mo), with year round outbreaks observed during 2000 to 2001 and 2001 to 2002.
Conclusions: Local RSV surveillance provides meaningful data to guide decisions on the administration of palivizumab. Reliance on current AAP guidelines for RSV prophylaxis would result in under-protection of at-risk children in all regions within the state of Florida.
Key Points
* The Florida Department of Health maintains a statewide surveillance network for collection of RSV virology data.
* Local surveillance data for Florida indicate that RSV is present year-round throughout the state, and the southeast region experiences the longest seasons.
* The current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines on the prophylactic use of palivizumab are not suitable for any region of Florida and, if adopted, would result in underdosing of all children in the state.
* Dosing of palivizumab in Florida should be guided by results of local virology data.