Paraná is experiencing the worst dengue epidemic in the last 20 years. Data from the State Health Department show that there are already 260,517 confirmed cases of dengue and 171 deaths from the disease in the epidemiological period, which began on July 30, 2023 and continues until July 2024. The state is third with the highest incidence of the disease in the country.
According to Fiocruz’s InfoGripe Bulletin, hospitalizations for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) also grew along with an increase in cases of influenza A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus. In 19 capitals, including Curitiba, there has also been an increase in Covid-19 cases in the last six weeks.
Experts predict a continued increase in visits for Dengue and respiratory syndromes in the coming weeks, with a possible overload of care systems and overlapping of care in the outpatient network.
For the infectious disease specialist and cooperative doctor at Unimed Curitiba, Moacir Pires Ramos, the current scenario is worrying due to the increase in cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Covid-19, Influenza and Dengue in Curitiba and throughout the state.
“We are now beginning our period of greatest occurrence of viral respiratory diseases and, particularly, among young children this is gradually increasing here in the state. And there is a prospect of it increasing significantly. The Department of Health has commented that the demand for health units in Curitiba for cases of respiratory syndrome has increased by almost 60%”, says the doctor.
This is a time for alert, as the system may become overloaded with the accumulation of new cases of respiratory viruses and new and existing cases of dengue fever.
Despite having milder temperatures, the doctor points out that the multiplication of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that causes dengue fever, has not yet decreased. “The insect lives for around 40 days, so even though it is colder now, it is still alive and reproducing”, he warns.
Care and prevention
Hand hygiene and so-called cough hygiene (coughing into a tissue or shirt sleeve) continue to be essential to control the spread of respiratory viruses. In the case of dengue, eliminating mosquito outbreaks and using repellent are the most recommended measures to contain the spread of the disease.
For all situations, however, the infectious disease specialist reinforces the importance of keeping the vaccination schedule up to date. After all, the vaccine is the best and most effective way to prevent most diseases, especially for children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, who are more susceptible to serious complications.
“In the case of Covid-19, four or six months after the last dose the level of antibodies begins to fall. Then, you can now take a new dose. Just like with influenza, we take a dose every year to correct new variations of the disease”, he argues.
Hydration and good nutrition help maintain good immunity levels. Self-medication is contraindicated in all cases, especially in cases of dengue fever. Since the use of medicines such as anti-inflammatories can lead to bleeding. The indication in these cases is to seek medical help.
If the person has mild respiratory symptoms, it is essential to practice preventive measures, such as:
● Wear masks
● Clean your hands frequently with soap and water
● Use alcohol gel when away from home
● Keep environments ventilated
● Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose and eyes
● Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
● Avoid crowds
For dengue, the guidelines are:
● Eliminate breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, such as containers with stagnant water
● Use body repellents
● Install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering
● Wear clothing that covers most of the body, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
● Keep water containers clean and closed
And remember that in the event of an emergency, such as severe respiratory distress, it is crucial that the patient seeks immediate medical assistance.
About Unimed Curitiba
Unimed Curitiba is currently considered the largest health plan operator in Paraná, in addition to being among the largest in the Unimed System. It currently has more than 5 thousand cooperating doctors from different specialties, who serve more than 620 thousand clients in Curitiba and municipalities in the metropolitan region. It has the largest accredited network in the state with 377 providers, including more than 240 clinics and 50 hospitals – one of which is Hospital e Maternidade Nossa Senhora de Fátima. In addition, it also has 80 laboratory units, 21 of which are owned by Unimed Laboratório.
Find out more at www.unimedcuritiba.com.br or access the cooperative’s networks on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Tags: Cases respiratory diseases expected increase coming weeks Curitiba expert warns
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