Autumn has just started and the temperatures haven’t even dropped yet, but the flu is already a concern for Gauchos. This is because the number of hospitalizations in the State showed a jump, even anticipating the start of vaccination. In addition to Influenza, the dengue and Covid-19 viruses also continue to circulate, with a significant number of cases. The diseases have symptoms in common, which can confuse the infected person, and patient hospitalizations can overcrowd health services.
According to nurse Caroline Setti, responsible for Epidemiological Surveillance in Vera Cruz, dengue data has increased, as in the rest of Rio Grande do Sul. The number of confirmed cases reached 93 this Monday, beating the 53 cases registered in first outbreak in the Municipality, in 2021.
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Since the beginning of the year there have been 205 notifications, with 98 cases discarded and there are still 14 people awaiting test results. “We need the residents of Vera Cruz to become aware of the precautions taken to eliminate breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The use of repellent is also recommended for personal protection.”, he advises.
As for Covid-19, in Vera Cruz, there are currently 16 active cases and one hospital admission. Caroline explains that in the previous week there were more than 60 confirmed cases. “These spikes in cases are occurring, most likely due to reduced care with prevention measures and low adherence to vaccination.“, he said.
Regarding the flu, no hospitalizations have yet occurred this year, but the sector is monitoring it closely, due to the growth in cases and hospitalizations in the State, which reflects the increased circulation of the Influenza virus. “All people who fall into the priority groups for vaccination should contact health units as soon as possible for vaccination. The concomitant circulation of dengue, influenza and Covid is a concern due to the risk of overcrowding in health services”, warns the nurse.
According to the coordinator of the Health Surveillance and Actions Sector of the City of Santa Cruz do Sul, Francine Braga, there was a significant increase in both dengue and Covid-19 cases at the beginning of 2024, compared to the year 2023. Until 215 cases of dengue have now been confirmed in the municipality, with 314 awaiting results, in addition to one person admitted to Hospital Ana Nery, for a total of 1916 notifications.
Francine highlights that the dengue situation is nationwide. “The state also has an epidemic, but the dengue situation throughout Brazil is worrying, especially because it is a rapidly proliferating disease, transmitted by mosquitoes that reproduce very quickly.”, he clarifies. For this reason, the disease ends up being monitored throughout the year with effective surveillance actions.
Covid-19 cases confirmed this year already total 838, with five people hospitalized, one at Santa Cruz Hospital and four at Ana Nery Hospital, in addition to 77 undergoing home treatment. This year there were five deaths related to the disease. The guidance, according to the coordinator, is that when experiencing symptoms, people seek care at health centers, avoiding self-medication, so that the professional can indicate the best course of action.
This year the municipality had 17 positive cases of influenza and immunization began this Monday. A symbolic act marked the beginning of vaccination on Saturday, during Citizenship Square. “It is essential for risk groups, immunosuppressed people and elderly people to get vaccinated. Immunization helps reduce symptoms, so it is extremely important for the entire population”, he concludes.
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