Cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome rise in the country, says Fiocruz

The InfoGripe bulletin from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) released this Thursday (28) points out that cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) have increased in children, young people and adults across the country. The situation is due to the growth, in different states, of different respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus.

The bulletin also indicates a downward trend in SARS cases in the population over 50 years of age, due to the decrease in Covid-19 cases in the Central-West and Southeast regions, and also a reduction in cases in the South region.

According to InfoGripe coordinator, Marcelo Gomes, this situation masks the growth in SARS cases due to other respiratory viruses in these age groups, especially those associated with the influenza A virus.

“This scenario is fundamentally the same as last week. Continued decline in hospitalizations associated with Covid-19 in the Center-South, contrasting with the increase in RSV and rhinovirus in practically the entire country (including the Center-South) and influenza A in North, Northeast, Southeast and South”, he explained.

In the cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, when studying the total number of new hospitalizations for SARS, without analyzing by age group, a stable scenario is observed. Gomes assesses that, in fact, this situation is due to the drop in Covid-19, camouflaging the increase in hospitalizations for other respiratory viruses.

“If we look only at children, where RSV and rhinovirus are mainly present in hospitalizations, we clearly see the sign of a significant increase in SARS”, explains the researcher. He also highlights the importance of prevention care. “In cases of respiratory infections, flu symptoms and colds, you should seek medical advice, in addition to resting and wearing a good mask whenever you need to leave the house. Vaccination is also essential. The flu vaccine is available in several locations.”

Mortality

The incidence of SARS due to Covid-19 continues to have the greatest impact on children up to two years of age and elderly people over 65 years of age. The increase in the circulation of RSV has generated a significant increase in the incidence of SARS in young children, surpassing that associated with Covid-19 in this age group.

Other respiratory viruses highlighted by the incidence of SARS in young children continue to be Sars-CoV-2 (Covid-19) and rhinovirus. The influenza virus has been increasing the incidence of SARS in children, pre-adolescents and the elderly. Regarding mortality from SARS, the rate has remained significantly higher in the elderly, with a large predominance of Covid-19.

In total, 23 capitals in the country show an increase in SARS cases: Aracaju (SE), Belém (PA), Plano Piloto and surrounding areas of Brasília (DF), Campo Grande (MS), Curitiba (PR), Florianópolis (SC), Fortaleza (CE), Goiânia (GO), João Pessoa (PB), Macapá (AP), 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), São Luís (MA), Teresina (PI) and Vitória (ES).

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