PAHO convenes experts to develop the first regional guidelines for the clinical management of patients with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection

Bogotá, Colombia, September 9, 2025 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), through the Infectious Hazards Management Unit of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE/IHM), brought together a distinguished group of regional experts to develop the first regional guidelines for the clinical management of patients with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the Americas.

Each year, RSV causes more than 3.6 million hospitalizations and nearly 100,000 deaths in children under five worldwide and also impacts older adults with severe respiratory disease. The vast majority of these deaths (97%) occur in low- and middle-income countries. RSV is one of the leading causes of acute respiratory infections in childhood, with an estimated incidence of 46 to 52 episodes of lower respiratory tract infection per 1,000 children under five years of age per year in the Americas.

Given this situation, PAHO convened a multidisciplinary group of specialists to develop the first regional clinical management guidelines. The guideline development group (GDG) is made up of clinical specialists in pediatrics, adult and pediatric intensive care, obstetrics and gynecology, infectious diseases, internal medicine, epidemiology, virology, and emergency medicine from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. Methodologists from McMaster University in Canada are also participating, along with regional experts from PHE/IHM, the Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health Department (EIH), and the Comprehensive Immunization Program (CIM).

During two days of work in Bogotá, the experts rigorously reviewed the most up-to-date scientific evidence, analyzed different intervention options, discussed clinical experience, and developed practical recommendations for the clinical management of RSV in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Lorena Acevedo, head of the technical secretariat, emphasized: "RSV requires us to act quickly. Early identification of patients and evidence-based interventions are key to reducing hospitalizations and deaths in the Region."

As next steps, PAHO will lead the process of finalizing, publishing, and disseminating the regional guidelines, ensuring that they reach ministries of health and professionals throughout the region. In addition, technical collaboration with the countries of the Americas will be strengthened to support the implementation of these recommendations, promoting training, exchange of experiences, and adaptation of the guidelines to local needs.