The primary cause of pediatric admissions to Makarios Children’s Hospital is acute bronchiolitis, primarily induced by the RSV virus. This condition accounts for the majority of cases, affecting infants under 12 months who are especially vulnerable due to their developing immune systems. Makarios Children’s Hospital is currently at 90% capacity due to a surge in respiratory infections, with acute bronchiolitis caused by the RSV virus being the most common ailment treated. The hospital is also attending to cases of COVID-19, with four children currently hospitalized. Vigilance and preventative measures are being emphasized to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.
What is the main cause of pediatric admissions to Makarios Children’s Hospital?
The primary cause of pediatric admissions to Makarios Children’s Hospital is acute bronchiolitis, primarily induced by the RSV virus. This condition accounts for the majority of cases, affecting infants under 12 months who are especially vulnerable due to their developing immune systems.
Hospital Capacity Stretched by Viral Illnesses
Makarios Children’s Hospital is grappling with an overwhelming number of young patients, as Dr. Avraam Elias, the department chief, reports that the pediatric ward is filled to 90% capacity due to rising cases of respiratory infections. The current year has seen a surge compared to the previous one, with daily admissions ranging between six to eight children. Despite the influx, the turnover remains steady, with discharges paralleling admissions, suggesting that the medical staff is managing to keep up with the pace of patient recovery.
The most common ailment treated is respiratory infection caused by the RSV virus, resulting in acute bronchiolitis in infants—accounting for seven out of ten children under care. More than half of the admitted patients are infants under 12 months, who are particularly vulnerable due to their still-developing immune systems.
The Predominant Illness: Acute Bronchiolitis
Acute bronchiolitis, primarily caused by the RSV virus, is identified as the leading reason for pediatric admissions during the winter, with peaks typically in January and February. Dr. Elias highlighted that the hospital hasn’t reached the peak of this seasonal epidemic yet. A decline is expected due to school closures, but an inevitable rise is anticipated once schools reopen. Symptoms prompting hospitalization include fever, cough, respiratory distress, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues.
Newborns and infants under two months are being admitted in increasing numbers, which is of particular concern. Their nascent immune systems make them exceedingly susceptible to viruses, prompting a cautionary appeal from doctors to parents, urging them to minimize their children’s contact with others, especially older siblings who may transmit pathogens.
Encountering Other Respiratory Complications
The secondary wave of infections troubling the pediatric population encompasses lower respiratory tract infections, including both microbial and viral pneumonias. Upper respiratory tract infections are also present, but acute bronchiolitis in infants under 12 months of age remains the predominant condition requiring hospitalization.
In the midst of these prevalent infections, Makarios Children’s Hospital is also attending to coronavirus cases, with a slight uptick reflecting broader trends in the general populace. Currently, four children are hospitalized with COVID-19, exhibiting symptoms like fever and loss of appetite, which are particularly pronounced in young children and infants.
Vigilance and Prevention
As the medical team at Makarios Children’s Hospital continues to provide care for the influx of pediatric patients, they are also emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preventative measures. Dr. Elias’s advice to parents is a crucial reminder of the role community behavior plays in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases, particularly among those who are most vulnerable.
The hospital’s capability to manage the situation, despite nearing full capacity, is a testament to the concerted efforts of its dedicated staff working tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of the children in their care.
1. What is the main cause of pediatric admissions to Makarios Children’s Hospital?
The primary cause of pediatric admissions to Makarios Children’s Hospital is acute bronchiolitis, primarily induced by the RSV virus. This condition accounts for the majority of cases, affecting infants under 12 months who are especially vulnerable due to their developing immune systems.
2. What is the current capacity of Makarios Children’s Hospital?
Makarios Children’s Hospital is currently at 90% capacity due to a surge in respiratory infections, primarily acute bronchiolitis caused by the RSV virus. The hospital is also attending to cases of COVID-19, with four children currently hospitalized.
3. What are the symptoms prompting hospitalization for acute bronchiolitis?
Symptoms prompting hospitalization for acute bronchiolitis include fever, cough, respiratory distress, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues. Newborns and infants under two months are being admitted in increasing numbers and are particularly susceptible to viruses due to their nascent immune systems.
4. How is Makarios Children’s Hospital managing the surge in respiratory infections?
Despite the influx of pediatric patients, Makarios Children’s Hospital is managing to keep up with the pace of patient recovery. The medical staff is working tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of the children in their care. The hospital is also emphasizing vigilance and preventative measures to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases in the community.
