Cases of bronchiolitis, inflammation caused by a virus that affects babies, have increased in the state’s hospitals. This is what a survey by the Rio State Department of Health (SES-RJ) shows.
The number of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in children and adolescents due to other causes has also increased, rising from 228 to 366 records in recent weeks.
According to the secretariat, bronchiolitis is a clinical condition caused by inflammation of the bronchioles, very small caliber lower airways that carry oxygen to the lungs. It is an infection that cannot be confused with bronchitis (which is inflammation of the airways). It is more common in younger children, up to two years of age, and can become serious in a short time if not treated correctly. The most common symptoms are: runny nose, mild cough, persistent fever for more than three days, rapid and difficult breathing, as well as fatigue.
Cause of the disease
The virus can be caused by several infectious agents, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, parainfluenza and adenovirus. RSV is the main infectious agent of bronchiolitis, but there is still no vaccine available for children. The secretariat recommends immunization against Influenza, which is available and has a positive impact on containing cases.
Vaccine
Around 2.5 million doses of the flu vaccine were made available to the 92 municipalities in Rio de Janeiro for use in health units. The Flu Vaccination Campaign began on March 25th and runs until May 31st, with the goal of reaching 90% vaccination coverage of priority groups, which corresponds to 6.7 million people in the state of Rio. By On the 19th, 1 million 141 thousand applications of the vaccine were registered, with coverage of 16.17% of priority groups. Last year, the level was 45%.
Expansion of beds
As a preventive measure, the secretariat increased the bed capacity at Zilda Arns Hospital, in Volta Redonda, from 20 to 30 pediatric ICU beds, potentially reaching 40 if cases of bronchiolitis continue to rise.
According to the Secretary of State for Health, Claudia Mello, “this monitoring is one of the most efficient measures, capable of quickly showing us worsening and improving scenarios. In this way, we immediately expanded the capacity of Zilda Arns Hospital and, if necessary, we will open beds in other units,” she stated.
