COVID-19 Pandemic Alters Respiratory Syncytial Virus Seasonality in UAE

Strategic Insights -

New research reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A five-year study conducted at Tawam Hospital found that RSV seasonality shifted during the pandemic, with delayed onset in 2020-2021, but returned to pre-pandemic timing in 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • RSV was detected in 11% of children tested in 2018, 11% in 2019, 2.9% in 2020, 16% in 2021, and 6.1% in 2022, showing a significant fluctuation in positivity rates.
  • RSV-A predominated in 2020-2021, while RSV-B was more common in 2022.
  • The median age of screened children increased from 11 months in 2018 to 15 months in 2022.
  • Infants aged 0-12 months were the most affected, accounting for 53.8% of hospitalizations.
  • RSV-associated hospitalizations increased significantly in 2021-2022, with 60.2% of cases occurring during this period.
  • The study emphasizes the need for sustained surveillance to optimize RSV prevention strategies, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics:

  • 39,760 RSV tests were performed on 15,326 unique children between January 2018 and December 2022.
  • The overall RSV positivity rate was 11% in 2018, 11% in 2019, 2.9% in 2020, 16% in 2021, and 6.1% in 2022.
  • 2189 RSV-associated hospitalizations were reported, with 60.2% occurring in 2021-2022.
  • Infants aged 0-12 months accounted for 53.8% of hospitalizations.
  • The median age of screened children increased from 11 months in 2018 to 15 months in 2022.

Sources:

  • Epidemiological characterization and seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus in the United Arab Emirates: A five-year study at a tertiary care hospital, 2018-2022. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2025;18(12):103007.