Maryland Gov. Hogan announces RSV mitigation actions; potential COVID-19, flu surge preparedness

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced a series of new mitigation actions after a surge in respiratory syncytial virus - or RSV - cases across the state.

Hogan has directed hospitals to utilize additional state funding to prioritize pediatric ICO staffing. The Maryland Department of Health announced $80 million in additional funding for healthcare providers across the state.

Hospitals will receive $25 million and have been directed to utilize these resources to increase the hiring and recruitment of staff to help deal with the surge.

2-month old dies from RSV, brother hospitalized as respiratory virus overwhelms children’s hospitals

A northern Virginia family is preparing to say goodbye to their two-month old son who died from respiratory syncytial virus – or RSV.

The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems will also expand its Critical Care Coordination Center to include pediatric surge operations. This will optimize existing capacity, increase statewide capacity of pediatric ICU beds, and facilitate the transfer of pediatric patients to available beds in Maryland hospitals and Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

RSV hospitalizations are increasing earlier and more rapidly than in previous years, with the 0-2 age group comprising 57% of hospitalizations. Last week in northern Virginia, a two-month old died from RSV complications and his twin brother was hospitalized.

"After meeting with our multi-agency public health task force yesterday and reviewing all of the data, I am announcing these steps to give our hospitals more tools to expand bed capacity for pediatric patients," said Hogan in a statement. "We also continue to encourage Marylanders to be COVIDReady, so that we remain one of the most vaccinated and boosted states, and stay ahead of the virus."

'Tripledemic' fears rise as flu, RSV cases increase

A spike in COVID and flu-like illnesses coupled with the surge in pediatric RSV cases now has experts warning of a possible "tripledemic" as all three viruses collide, threatening to swamp hospitals. Infectious disease expert Dr. Amesh Adalja joins Good Day DC to break down what's happening.

Hogan said he has expanded COVIDReady Maryland by adding the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster shot for residents five years old and older. In addition, adults now have the option of receiving a Novavax monovalent booster if they have not previously received a booster and if they cannot or will not receive mRNA vaccines.

More than 710,000 Marylanders have received the COVID-19 bivalent booster. You can find a vaccination clinic near you online.