The global toll of preterm birth is severe. According to the March of Dimes website, nearly 13 million babies are born too soon each and every year. The highest rates of preterm births occur in Africa (understandably so on a continent of developing countries) and the second highest rates occur in North America- Canada and the United States, combined (inconceivable for such medically rich nations). The rate of preemie births in the United States has increased 36 percent in the past 25 years. All told, we must agree, strategies for reducing death and disab-

ility related to preterm and underweight newborns must be given priority.

One such health concern that strikes babies born too soon is RSV-Respiratory syncytial virus. It is a very contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health problems. This disease infects the lungs and breathing passages, and is often brought home by school-aged children. RSV usually resembles a mild cold and most healthy people will recover from it in 1-2 weeks, but this is not the case for babies and young children born prematurely.

RSV can spread from a sneeze or a cough, and direct or indirect transmission of the virus usually occurs when people touch an infectious secretion and then rub their eyes or nose. The virus can survive on hard surfaces such as tables or crib rails for many hours. Direct transmission is also possible by kissing a baby or touching their hands. Prevention: frequent hand washing, wiping of hard surfaces with disinfectant, and limiting the time high risk children spend in child-care centers, nurseries, or other potentially contagious settings. The rules for RSV prevention are the same for the H1N1 swine flu and other fast moving contagions.

Remember, what may seem to be an allergy attack or a slight cold in a healthy child or adult can prove deadly to an infant or toddler. There is medication available- although it is not a true vaccine- to help prevent development of the serious RSV disease. Talk with your pediatrician about it. The Bitty Baby Shop has a limited number of handy signs available in English and Spanish to remind people to wash their hands before touching the baby. These signs hang very nicely from strollers or car seats and are available for $10.

Pink Please Wash sign

Spanish Please Wash sign