Fiocruz’s InfoGripe bulletin points to an increase in serious respiratory diseases in Amazonas, including Manaus

Released this Thursday (28/03), the new Fiocruz InfoGripe Bulletin points to an increase in cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in children, young people and adults on the national scene. The update shows that 21 states show growth in SARS in the long-term trend: Acre, Alagoas, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceará, Distrito Federal, Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Paraíba, Paraná, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, Santa Catarina, Sergipe and Tocantins.

Among the capitals, 23 show an increase in SARS cases: Aracaju (SE), Belém (PA), Plano Piloto and surroundings 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).

The current situation is due to the growth, in several states, of different respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus. The analysis also shows a reversal of the trend in the increase in SARS cases in the population over 50 years of age, which is attributed to the decrease in SARS cases caused by Covid-19 in the Center-West and Southeast, as well as the slowdown in growth in South region.

In the country, there are signs of an increase in SARS in the long-term trend (last six weeks) and stability in the short-term trend (last three weeks). The update, which is based on data entered into the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (Sivep-Gripe) until March 25th, refers to Epidemiological Week (SE) 12, from March 17th to 23rd.

The research shows an increase in RSV and rhinovirus in practically the entire country (including the Center-South) and influenza A in the North, Northeast, Southeast and South. In cases of respiratory infections, flu symptoms and colds, medical referral should be sought , in addition to resting and wearing a good mask whenever you need to leave the house. Vaccination is also essential.

In the last four epidemiological weeks, the prevalence among cases with a positive result for respiratory viruses was 16.1% for influenza A; 0.4% for influenza B; 30.1% for RSV; and 40.7% for Sars-CoV-2 (Covid-19). Among deaths, the presence of these same viruses among those positive was 13.9% for influenza A; 0% for influenza B; 5% for RSV; and 79.3% for Sars-CoV-2.

The incidence of SARS due to Covid maintains the scenario of greatest impact on children up to two years of age and the population 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, it has remained significantly higher in the elderly, with a large predominance of Covid-19.

In relation to SARS cases due to Covid-19, there are signs of a decline in the states of the Central-West and Southeast, and a slowdown in growth in the South region. On the other hand, there is a sign of an increase in SARS due to influenza A in states of Northeast, Southeast and South. A recent increase in SARS due to RSV has also been observed in states in all regions, mainly impacting children up to two years of age, in addition to rhinovirus in children and pre-adolescents.