California Child Dies Of 'RSV-Associated' Illness: 'Devastating'

A young child in California has died of an illness associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus, (RSV). Amid the "devastating" death, health officials are urging people to remain vigilant as winter viruses continue to affect the country.

The child reportedly died from a respiratory illness that's "possibly linked" to RSV, Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-Public Health) noted in a news release Monday. The eastern Riverside County child was under four years old, and passed away "after a short illness."

RUHS-Public Health did not divulge further information about the child. A spokesperson for the county, Jose Arballo Jr., told ABC News that the child had died last week but it was only announced this week.

This marks the first reported pediatric RSV-associated death in Riverside County, according to RUHS-Public Health, adding that this highlights what may still be to come during an "active winter season countrywide for influenza, COVID and other respiratory illnesses."

"The loss of a child is devastating and all of Public Health sends it [sic] heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and anyone impacted by this tragic event," Riverside County public officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung said in the news release.

This comes as RSV, the flu and COVID-19 continue to affect people across the nation. Many states have been reporting "high" or "very high" respiratory activity levels. This includes California, which is among the states logging "high" activity levels in the CDC's influenza surveillance report map for the week ending on Nov. 12.

Earlier in November, for instance, California reported the death of a child from the flu and RSV.

Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also show high RSV cases in the country, with both the national and California trends seeing an increase in the viral illness in recent weeks.

RSV, the flu and COVID-19 have been affecting the country earlier than usual. The reported cases so far in autumn have been comparable to the usual number of cases that are typically seen in January or February, according to ABC News.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urged Californians to stay on alert for these winter viruses, especially with the upcoming holiday season.

"As we prepare for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings, we need to continue being vigilant in preventing the rapid spread of winter viruses," state epidemiologist, Dr. Erica Pan, said in the release. "As a pediatrician who specializes in infections, and a parent, it is concerning to see the rise in RSV and flu in babies, young children and our elderly population. It is crucial we are aware of prevention methods, but also, how to care for our loved ones at home, and what symptoms to be aware of for parents to seek care for their children."

Preventive methods include the ones that people have been used to amid the COVID-19 pandemic, such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, considering the use of masks and staying at home when sick.

"If you are concerned about your child's risk for severe RSV infection, talk to your child's healthcare provider," said RUHS-Public Health.