Comparison of the Burden and Temporal Pattern of Hospitalisations Associated With Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Before and After COVID‐19 in New Zealand

• DOI: 10.1111/irv.13346
• Publication Date: 2024-07-09T18:33:10Z
• Authors: Nikki Turner; Nayyereh Aminisani; Sue Huang; Jane O'Donnell; Adrian Trenholme; David Broderick; Janine Paynter; Lorraine Castelino; Cameron Grant; Peter McIntyre
• Keywords: Pandemic

ABSTRACT Background Changes in the epidemiology of illnesses caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection following COVID‐19 pandemic are reported. The New Zealand (NZ) situation was unique; RSV community transmission eliminated with 2020 border closure, a rapid and large increase hospitalizations relaxation social isolation measures opening an exclusive Australia. Methods This active population‐based surveillance compared age‐specific incidence seasonality RSV‐associated Auckland, NZ, for 2 years before after closures. Hospitalisation rates between were age, ethnicity (European/other, Māori, Pacific Asian) socioeconomic group (1 = least , 5 most deprived ). Results There no 2020. In all other years, hospitalisation highest people versus ethnic groups living quintile households. higher 2021 2022 than 2018–19. epidemic peak 2021, but not 2022, duration shorter significant across sex, groups. only one age (1– < 3 years), (Asian) (quintile 2). Conclusions COVID responses altered RSV‐related seasonal patterns. Atypical features older children young adults, which lessened 2022. Despite these variations, hospitalisations NZ continue to disproportionately affect individuals those more socioeconomically Whilst future public health strategies focused on disease mitigation need consider potential shifts epidemiological patterns when is disrupted, variances must be considered context longer‐standing unequal distribution.