The new Fiocruz InfoGripe Bulletin, released this Thursday (9/5), warns that the scenario still requires attention throughout the national territory, both from health authorities and the population. The influenza A virus and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain in a worrying situation, being responsible in several states for the increase in the number of new cases and new hospitalizations. Current records show that among the total deaths in the last four weeks in the general population, the percentage associated with influenza A is already equal to that observed for Sars-CoV-2 (Covid-19). The analysis refers to Epidemiological Week 18, period from May 18th to 4th. It is based on data entered into the Flu Epidemiological System (SivepGripe) until May 6th.
O InfoGripe shows growth in the number of cases of Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the last six weeks and stabilization in the last few, caused mainly by the interruption of the increase in SARS caused by RSV in children up to 2 years old in some states, although they are still on the rise in part of the national territory. The number of deaths from SARS remains significantly higher in the elderly, with a large predominance of Covid-19, but already presenting a significant volume associated with the influenza A virus. In young children, the increase in the circulation of RSV has generated a significant increase in the incidence and mortality of SARS. SARS, surpassing those associated with Covid-19 in this age group. The other respiratory viruses highlighted by the incidence of SARS in the child population are influenza A, Sars-CoV-2 and rhinovirus.
The researcher from Fiocruz’s Scientific Computing Program and coordinator of InfoGripe, Marcelo Gomes, highlights that in relation to RSV it is already possible to observe in some states the beginning of the fall or, at least, the interruption in the sequence of growth week after week in the new hospitalizations associated with the virus. Gomes highlights that, however, the situation in the rest of the country is still an increase in the number of new weekly cases. In relation to influenza, the specialist reinforces the importance of vaccination.
“Let us remember that the vaccination campaign is underway across the country and it is extremely important that, especially those in the risk group, seek this vaccine. The Ministry of Health has expanded vaccination, which is now open to everyone from 6 months of age. So it is essential to seek vaccination, because it will reduce the risk of worsening of flu cases related to the influenza virus,” he said.
Given the circulation of RSV, Gomes also reinforced the importance of using a mask, especially in health units and on public transport, in order to avoid contracting the respiratory virus and infecting other people, such as your family members. “The guidance also applies to everyone who has flu symptoms. Anyone who has a cold, with any sign that looks like the flu, should also wear a good mask.”
In the last four epidemiological weeks, the prevalence among cases with a positive result for respiratory viruses was 26.7% for influenza A, 0.3% for influenza B, 57.3% for respiratory syncytial virus and 6.8% for Sars -CoV-2 (Covid-19). As for deaths, the presence of these same viruses among those positive was 40.9% for influenza A, 0.8% for influenza B, 13.2% for respiratory syncytial virus and 40.9% for Sars-CoV-2 ( Covid-19).
Regarding the epidemiological year 2024, 48,347 cases of SARS have already been reported, 22,488 (46.5%) with a positive laboratory result for a respiratory virus, 17,791 (36.8%) negative, and at least 5,334 (11.0%) awaiting laboratory results.
States
Twenty-three units of the Federation show signs of growth in SARS cases in the long-term trend: Acre, Alagoas, Amazonas, Amapá, Distrito Federal, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraíba, Paraná, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sergipe, São Paulo and Tocantins. In relation to SARS cases due to Covid-19, the sign of stability remains at relatively low levels. In relation to the scenario of children up to 2 years of age, where RSV predominates, it is possible to observe the beginning of a decline in Ceará, Espirito Santo and Goiás, in addition to a sign of growth interruption in Bahia, Distrito Federal, Minas Gerais and São Paulo.
Capitals
Among the capitals, 16 show signs of growth in SARS cases: Aracaju (SE), Boa Vista (RR), Campo Grande (MS), Florianópolis (SC), João Pessoa (PB), Maceió (AL), Manaus (AM ), Natal (RN), Palmas (TO), Porto Alegre (RS), Porto Velho (RO), Recife (PE), Rio Branco (AC), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Salvador (BA) and Teresina (PI ).
