The new InfoGripe bulletin, released on Thursday (27), reveals an increase in the number of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) cases in ten states: Amapa, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Piauí, Rio Grande do Sul and Rio de Janeiro, Roraima and Sao Paulo.
This increase is due to influenza A viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), and rhinoviruses, indicating a resumption of growth in most states in the central and southern region of Brazil. Furthermore, some states in the north, such as Amapá, Roraima, and Ceará, are recording a continued increase in RSV infections in young children.
In the national total, there is evidence of SRAG stabilization in both the long-term trend (past six weeks) and short-term trend (past three weeks). Referring to epidemiological week 25, from June 16 to 22, the study is based on data entered into the influenza epidemiological surveillance information system (Sivep-Gripe) until June 24.
Covid-19 has remained at low levels compared to its historical prevalence. However, the virus has been the main cause of hospitalizations due to SARS among the elderly in Ceará in recent weeks. Furthermore, some states in the north and northeast have also shown slight Covid-19 activity.
There is still no clear sign of growth in the spread of Covid in the country, especially in these regions, says researcher from the scientific computing program Fiocruz (Procc/Fiocruz) and InfoGripe Tatiana Portella.
“However, the onset of virus activity in the North and Northeast regions deserves our attention in the coming weeks. It is important that hospitals and influenza units in these regions pay close attention to any sign of an increase in the spread of the virus,” warns Tatiana.
Given this scenario, the researcher highlights the importance of vaccination, whether against influenza or Covid-19, for all those eligible for vaccination. Furthermore, some precautions, such as the use of masks in closed spaces with larger crowds of people and in health centers, are recommended, especially for residents of areas with a high prevalence of respiratory viruses.
Tatiana recommends that, if symptoms appear, the person isolates himself, if possible, to avoid transmitting the virus to other individuals who have not yet been infected and who are at risk, such as the elderly, children and people with comorbidities.
In the last four epidemiological weeks, the prevalence among cases with confirmed respiratory viruses was influenza A (22.6%), influenza B (0.8%), respiratory syncytial virus (47.2%), and Sars-CoV-2/Covid-19 (6. %). Among deaths, the presence of these same viruses among positive cases was influenza A (47.1%), influenza B (0.3%), respiratory syncytial virus (21.5%), and Sars-CoV-2/Covid-19 (22.4%).
