Levels of respiratory syncytial virus or RSV in Marin County increased significantly in the past two weeks, according to county health officials.
RSV levels detected in the county wastewater increased “five-fold” during that period, the Marin Health and Human Services said in a statement Friday.
County health officials said this indicates the onset of RSV season, warning residents of increased risk of exposure expected to last through fall and winter.
According to county officials, only eight percent of eligible residents in county over age 60 received the new RSV vaccine, which they emphasized as highly protective.
Health experts say RSV can cause severe respiratory illness among infants and elderly people.