Nirsevimab Effectiveness Against Medically Attended Respiratory Syncytial Virus Illness and Hospitalization Among Alaska Native Children - Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region, Alaska, October 2023-June 2024

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024 Nov 14;73(45):1015-1021. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7345a1.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization among young children. Historically, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children have experienced high rates of RSV-associated hospitalization. In August 2023, a preventive monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) was recommended for all infants aged <8 months (born during or entering their first RSV season) and for children aged 8-19 months (entering their second RSV season) who have increased risk for severe RSV illness, including all AI/AN children. This evaluation in Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region estimated nirsevimab effectiveness among AI/AN children in their first or second RSV seasons during 2023-2024. Among 472 children with medically attended acute respiratory illness (ARI), 48% overall had received nirsevimab ≥7 days earlier (median = 91 days before the ARI-related visit). For children in their first RSV season (292), nirsevimab effectiveness was 76% (95% CI = 42%-90%) against medically attended RSV illness and 89% (95% CI = 32%-98%) against RSV hospitalization. For children in their second RSV season (180), effectiveness against medically attended RSV illness was 88% (95% CI = 48%-97%). Nirsevimab is effective for preventing severe RSV illness among infants entering their first RSV season and children entering their second season with increased risk for severe RSV, including all AI/AN children.

MeSH terms

  • Alaska / epidemiology
  • Alaska Natives* / statistics & numerical data
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hospitalization* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized