Bronchiolitis in COVID-19 times: a nearly absent disease?

Stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, face masks and other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) do not only impact COVID-19, but also the dynamics of various other infectious diseases. Bronchiolitis is a clinically diagnosed viral infection of the lower respiratory tract, and causes a yearly seasonal wave of admissions in paediatric wards worldwide. We counted 92,5% less bronchiolitis hospitalisations in Antwerp before the expected end of the peak this year (of which only 1 RSV positive), as compared to the last 3 years. Furthermore, there was a >99% reduction in the number of registered RSV cases in Belgium. Conslusion: The 2020 winter bronchiolitis peak is hitherto nonexistent, but we fear a 'delayed' spring/summer bronchiolitis peak when most NPIs will be relaxed and pre-pandemic life restarts. What is known? Bronchiolitis causes a yearly seasonal wave of admissions in paediatric departments worldwide. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) do not only impact COVID-19, but also the dynamics of various other infectious diseases. What is new? The 2020 winter bronchiolitis peak is hitherto nonexistent. A 'delayed' spring or summer bronchiolitis peak could happen when most NPIs will be relaxed and pre-pandemic life restarts.

Automated summary

Stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, and face masks have significantly reduced the number of bronchiolitis hospitalizations in Antwerp and registered RSV cases in Belgium. The 2020 winter bronchiolitis peak is currently non-existent, but concerns remain for a potential 'delayed' spring/summer peak as NPIs are relaxed and pre-pandemic life resumes.