First RISE study manuscript published: insights into respiratory tract infection severity and seasonality in St. Maarten

We are proud to announce the publication of the first manuscript from the RISE Study, a collaboration between Radboudumc and the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).

Using five years of paediatric patient data collected at SMMC between 2018 and 2023, we analysed the severity and seasonal patterns of respiratory viral infections in children on St. Maarten. This study provides the first detailed, locally generated evidence on how respiratory viruses affect children on the island.

Our findings show that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is associated with more severe disease compared to other respiratory viruses. Importantly, RSV-related illness appeared to become even more severe following the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the shifting dynamics in the post-pandemic era.

We also identified a clear seasonal pattern: RSV circulation on St. Maarten peaks during the rainy season, starting in June. Previously, preventive measures were timed from September onward. Based on these new data, prevention strategies can now be better aligned with the actual onset of RSV circulation, allowing earlier and more effective protection of vulnerable children.

To celebrate this milestone, Sam surprised the team with beautifully arranged petit fours decorated with the RISE logo, marking the publication in true team spirit. These findings represent an important step toward reducing the burden of respiratory disease in children on St. Maarten through data-driven, locally tailored prevention strategies.

The full article is available open access at pmc.ncbi.nih.gov