MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil: Fiocruz warns of respiratory diseases surging in 13 states

The InfoGripe Bulletin also mentioned a nationwide increase in influenza A hospitalizations

Brazil is experiencing an increase in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases, with 13 states and the Federal District at alert, risk, or high-risk levels, according to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation's (Fiocruz) latest issue of the InfoGripe Bulletin released Friday. Additionally, hospitalizations due to influenza A have increased nationwide, with Mato Grosso do Sul facing a particularly critical situation.

According to the bulletin, the states with the highest incidences of SARS are Acre, Bahia, Distrito Federal, Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Sergipe, and São Paulo.

The general rise in SARS cases has been driven mainly by the increase in hospitalizations of young children due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and, to a lesser extent, older children and adolescents up to 14 years old with rhinovirus.

The bulletin also draws attention to the increase in influenza A hospitalizations nationwide. The state of Mato Grosso do Sul presents a more critical scenario, with a very high incidence of hospitalizations for the disease.

In the last four epidemiological weeks, the prevalence among positive cases of viral SARS was 56.9% respiratory syncytial virus, 25.5% Rhinovirus, 15.7% Influenza A, 3.9% SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), and 1% influenza B.

Among the deaths registered with positive tests for respiratory diseases, 35.7% had SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), 30.4% had Influenza A, 16.1% had Rhinovirus, 10.1% had respiratory syncytial virus, and 3.6% had Influenza B.

Tatiana Portella, a researcher at Fiocruz's Scientific Processing Program and InfoGripe, stressed that this scenario served as a warning for the population to intensify prevention measures, combating the increase in serious cases of some respiratory transmission viruses.

Portella also underlined the importance of vaccination against influenza and recommended the use of masks in closed or crowded places, as well as in healthcare centers.

Those showing symptoms of respiratory diseases were advised to adopt the so-called respiratory etiquette, which includes covering the nose and mouth with tissues when coughing or sneezing; avoiding hugs, handshakes, and kisses; not sharing cups, utensils, and towels; and washing hands frequently. (Source: Agencia Brasil)