Respiratory Illness Reported In Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Department of  Health reports dozens of respiratory syncytial virus cases in the state this year.  The virus is commonly known as RSV and is seen most often in infants and toddlers.

As of December 13 there had been 145 cases of RSV reported to the health department.

There is no treatment for RSV other than hospitalization to monitor breathing. The state does not track RSV deaths.

In adults the virus produces mild symptoms similar to a cold. But for very young patients, older people or those with chronic health conditions it can lead to pneumonia and even death.