THE FIRST death of a minor as a result of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was confirmed on Wednesday September 14.

Authorities of the Hospital of Pediatrics (HEP) of the Social Security Fund made the announcement.

Earlier the hospital had suspended elective surgeries

Medical director Luis Romero said the child  initially suffered from respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis  which progressed to pneumonia and  that eventually led to death.

On  Sunday the death of another minor following an acute respiratory illness was reported, but  it has not been specifically confirmed by the VRS.

A VRS health alert in the was issued last week because it affects children under five, and can cause death.

The mode of transmission is the same as the common cold.

The most common symptoms are fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath and loss of appetite.