Genomic Characterization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus during 2022–23 Outbreak, Washington, USA

Abstract

We sequenced 54 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) genomes collected during 2021–22 and 2022–23 outbreaks in Washington, USA, to determine the origin of increased RSV cases. Detected RSV strains have been spreading for >10 years, suggesting a role for diminished population immunity from low RSV exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

• respiratory syncytial virus
• human orthopneumovirus
• genome
• COVID-19
• respiratory infections
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2