Hospital Nacional de Niños’ Former director, Rodolfo Hernández, asked authorities to make an effort in order to use the monoclonal antibody drug, because it would reduce respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) contagion in high-risk patients.
The doctor explained that in the past, this drug was used with great success, but they stopped applying it.
RSV has killed six children and the HNN has collapsed. The attention center reported 117 hospitalized children as consequence of a severe, respiratory infection.
Hernández said this antibody should be used in patients with congenital heart disease or any condition that weakens their body’s natural defense mechanisms.
The pediatrician argued that Costa Ricans’ bad tradition of visiting sick people with healthy children should disappear and, in fact, children should avoid crowded places.
María del Rocío Sáenz, Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social’s executive president, affirmed that she is unaware of the reasons why they stopped using the drug.