The number of flu (Influenza) cases registered in the city of Rio de Janeiro in recent weeks is 738% greater than the number of Covid-19 cases, according to data from the City of Rio de Janeiro.
Just in the last few weeks, according to the municipal health department, 23 thousand of Influenza were notified in the city. Between November 1 and December 7, the Covid-19 panel registered 2,743 cases of the disease.
Experts heard by CNN, this Wednesday (8), they believe that the city of Rio de Janeiro is already experiencing an epidemic scenario. Alberto Chebabo, an infectious disease specialist, a member of the city’s scientific committee, was one of the researchers who confirmed the information to CNN.
“There is a definition of what an epidemic is. And Influenza in Rio fulfills this criterion. We consider an epidemic when there is an increase in cases higher than expected in several neighborhoods or different administrative regions or even in one state or country,” said Chebabo.
Another specialist who agrees with the epidemic scenario in Rio de Janeiro was the researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Diego Xavier.
“During the pandemic we didn’t have this exposure, and now we are having this flu epidemic. But, on the positive side, most contaminations do not evolve into serious cases”, explains Diego Xavier.
For the infectologist at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) Júlio Croda, the flu outbreak in the city of Rio de Janeiro is directly related to the low vaccination coverage against Influenza. According to data from the Ministry of Health, vaccination coverage in the state capital is 54.9%.
“The influenza outbreak that is happening in Rio de Janeiro is the result of the flexibility of preventive measures and the low vaccine coverage. It should be noted that coverage for Covid-19 is extremely high and, therefore, it manages to protect the population despite the flexibilities”, highlighted Croda.
A CNN it sought out the Municipal Health Department (SMS) to echo the experts’ speech, but has not yet received any feedback.
Cases not state
In two weeks, the average number of influenza cases in the state of Rio de Janeiro grew 2,647%, according to data released this Wednesday (8), by the State Health Department (SES).
The average number of cases of flu-like illness rose from 173 in the week of November 15th to 20th, increasing to 435.6 in the week of November 21st to 27th, until reaching 4,752.7 flu infections between the 4th and December 6th.
Among children, the moving average of attendances went from 46.6 to 996, an increase of 2,037%. Among adults, in the same period, the number jumped from 126.5 to 3,756 calls per day — a growth of 2,869% in the moving average.
Reference: CNN Brasil
