RSV Surges Early in South Dakota, Straining Pediatric Wards

SIOUX FALLS — Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are spiking earlier than usual across South Dakota, hitting young children hardest and prompting urgent calls for vaccinations from health leaders at Sanford Health and Avera McKennan Hospital. Clinic visits and hospitalizations climbed steadily from late October into early November, with the sickest patients requiring ventilators for breathing support. South Dakota's RSV test positivity rate reached 12% for the week ending Oct. 29, more than doubling from 5% at October's start, per CDC data — a trend mirroring national increases where nearly 20% of tests were positive.

The surge has centered on infants and toddlers under 2, RSV's primary victims, causing bronchiolitis, pneumonia and airway inflammation from mucus buildup. Sanford and Avera representatives noted an earlier-than-normal onset, typically peaking in January and February, raising fears of overwhelmed pediatric intensive care units if flu or COVID-19 cases follow. Nationally, RSV hospitalizes 60,000 to 80,000 children under 5 annually, and South Dakota officials echo CDC guidance: Protect babies under 8 months via maternal vaccination during pregnancy or infant antibodies like nirsevimab.

As of late 2025 data, the South Dakota Department of Health classifies RSV as the top respiratory illness driver in kids under 2, often leading to severe complications like croup and bronchitis. Local monitoring continues amid a national pattern of delayed but prolonged RSV activity into spring 2026, with emergency visits peaking among children under 4. Physicians urge flu shots alongside RSV protections, emphasizing handwashing and masking in daycare settings common in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.