La Plata County Public Health is warning families about a rash of Respiratory Syncytial Virus outbreaks at child care centers.

The agency has reported confirmed outbreaks, defined as the occurrence of at least two confirmed cases, at three separate child care facilities since Jan. 18, LPCPH Spokeswoman Megan Graham said.

According to the department’s data dashboard, the season’s first three RSV-related hospitalizations took place in January, although there have not been any related deaths.

Two of the hospitalized individuals were ages 0 to 4, and one was between 5 and 11 years old.

Statewide, there have been 2,298 reported RSV hospital admissions since Oct. 1, according to a news release from Graham.

In La Plata County, there have also been 48 cases of COVID-19 that resulted in hospitalization and four cases of influenza. There have been three COVID-19 outbreaks in La Plata County since Oct. 1, and no flu outbreaks.

The health department is advising that the public follow standard precautionary protocols, which include washing hands, staying up to date on vaccines, avoiding close contact with others who are sick and wearing a mask for extra protection.

RSV vaccines are available for members of high-risk groups, and influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available. Visit lpcpublichealth.org for more information.

rschafir@durangoherald.com