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The lower Wellington region is experiencing a surge of children and adults getting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and respiratory-type illnesses.

Capital & Coast and Hutt Valley DHBs’ in specific has seen a large influx of cases.

Around thirty children of all different ages are currently at Wellington Regional Hospital. Four are in the Wellington Intensive Care Unit, while Hutt Hospital has thirteen children with RSV or respiratory-type illness.

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As patients are being discharged and others being admitted, the numbers may vary at times.

“We have seen a number of adults across our hospitals with respiratory-type symptoms – often in addition to other underlying health needs. This is not uncommon, and these patients have managed accordingly and isolated if needed,” a statement from Capital and Coast DHB said.

“RSV primarily affects children, and it is also common for adults to display symptoms of RSV and other respiratory-type illnesses.”

“Adults generally tend to get milder symptoms, although it can cause more severe illness in adults with underlying lung disease or weakened immune systems.”

Each DHB has developed plans for a seasonal increase in admissions annually to manage the spread of an outbreak.

Image: SUPPLIED/Shutterstock

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