During RSV Season, Is Orlando Safe For Infants to Visit

The U.S. CDC reported today that the number of acute respiratory illnesses causing people to seek healthcare is at a very low level nationwide.

However, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a prevalent respiratory virus that is typically found first in Florida each year.

The CDC says young children face a higher risk of severe illness due to RSV.

Recent Florida Department of Health data show that Florida's RSV season lasts longer than in other parts of the country and exhibits unique regional patterns.

As of August 9, 2025, Florida reported there have been a total of 22 RSV outbreaks in the current season, with zero new outbreaks in the current week. Florida's Central Region, which includes Orlando, has reported 13 of these outbreaks this year.

Florida's health department notes that identifying unique seasonal and geographic trends in RSV activity in Florida has significant implications for prescribing patterns and initiating prophylaxis in children. 

Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends that pre-approval for prophylactic treatment be made based on state surveillance data.

The CDC and AAP say RSV monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy prevents serious lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in newborns and young children during their first RSV season.

A CDC report released on May 8, 2025, demonstrated that in 2024–25, RSV hospitalization rates were 45-52% lower in infants younger than 3 months old and 28-43% lower in infants younger than 8 months old who received an approved mAB compared to the 2018-2020 seasons before product introduction.

Both of these health agencies recommended that new mothers speak with a healthcare provider about immunization options before exposing an infant to RSV.

In addition to RSV, Florida has reported numerious chikungunya, dengue, and malaria cases in 2025.