Flu and cold cases are rising swiftly in Brazil as the country approaches the peak season for respiratory illnesses during autumn and winter, according to a warning from Fiocruz.
Flu and cold cases are experiencing a significant rise in Brazil ahead of the expected peak season which typically occurs during the autumn and winter months. The warning comes from Fiocruz's Infogripe panel, which monitors respiratory syndromes across the country in support of the Unified Health System (SUS). As the autumn season commenced on March 20, the data informing this alert was drawn from the epidemiological week 10, covering the period from March 8 to 14.
The report indicates that influenza A is driving the increase in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) in several states, particularly in Mato Grosso and most states in the Northeast, except for Piauí. Additionally, areas in the North such as Amapá, Pará, and Rondônia are also witnessing a rise, as well as Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo in the Southeast. Up to the report date, 20,300 cases of SRAG have been reported, with 7,523 confirmed as due to a specific virus. Among the positive cases, 41.9% are attributed to rinovirus, 21.8% to influenza A, and 14.7% to COVID-19.
The rapid spread of these respiratory illnesses highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness within Brazil’s health system as the colder months approach. It underscores the importance of monitoring and responding to respiratory disease trends, especially given the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, which could strain healthcare resources during the peak illness season.
