6-year-old Macomb County boy dies of RSV

(WXYZ) — The Oakland County pathologist says a 6-year-old boy died of RSV.

It comes as pediatric hospitals across the state are filling up. Currently, 77% of pediatric beds are filled.

In the wake of this untimely death, pediatricians are imploring parents to go back to the basics of washing hands, covering your mouth when coughing and staying home when sick.

“Emergency rooms are always full of RSV patients. Every time you go somewhere people keep saying my son or daughter has RSV,” said Melissa Parker, a mother and pediatric nurse.

Just a few days ago, her 3-week-old son, Owen, contracted RSV. He is now recovering and his symptoms are improving.

RSV is spread by respiratory droplets and can be serious for younger children with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of RSV include coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and loss of appetite.

“I think what we’re seeing will continue through the winter and a lot of other viruses are coming in. Pediatric hospitals are struggling to find the staff we need. It’s going to be a long winter,” said Dr. Whitney Minnock of Beaumont Children’s Hospital.

In the past two months, Cornwell Health, formerly known as Beaumont, has seen a 777% increase in patients testing positive for RSV.

In September, 95 out of 1,587 emergency room patients tested positive. In October, that number rose to 833 out of 5,515 patients.