A warning has been issued after an unexpected rise in RSV cases across the state this fall.

It usually peaks in the winter.

Respiratory syncytial virus is highly contagious and spreads through droplets in the air after a cough or sneeze.

Symptoms are usually mild and may mimic a cold, but RSV can cause severe infection in some people, including infants and young children, older adults, or people who are immunocompromised.

Individuals with cold-like symptoms are being asked to not interact with children and other individuals at high risk for RSV.