Since the beginning of the influenza epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, in November, 115 people have died, with a worsening of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG). The platform numbers of the Municipal Health Department, with numbers already closed for the year 2021, show that the disease accelerated in December.
If, in November, there were four deaths caused by the flu, in the last month of the year, the Influenza viruses were responsible for 111 deaths in the city. In the same period, December, 44 people died from Covid-19 in the state capital, two and a half times less.
Despite the fact, SMS no longer considers that Rio de Janeiro is facing an Influenza A epidemic. In the city, the episode was caused by the spread of the H3N2 strain, also known as Darwin’s strain, originating in Australia.
According to SMS, flu cases in recent weeks have reduced considerably. In the last week, the drop in patients who sought assistance in emergency care networks was 75% compared to the beginning of December.
Vice-president of the Brazilian Society of Infectology, Alberto Chebabo understands that the city is facing a common moment in epidemics.
“We first have an outbreak, with large numbers, a high rate of virus attack. The number of cases then begins to fall from week to week. Here in Rio, it’s already on a descendant. It is likely that they will stretch a little more and we will have cases until, at least, the end of January”, evaluates the specialist.
We first have an outbreak, with large numbers, a high virus attack rate. The number of cases then begins to fall from week to week. Here in Rio, it’s already on a descendant. They’re likely to stretch a little further and we’ll have affairs until at least the end of January.
Alberto Chebabo, vice president of the Brazilian Society of Infectology
In the city, the flu vaccination campaign ended on Monday (3), due to the end of stocks. According to the municipality, 2.9 million doses were applied in the period. The forecast is that the 2022 campaign will start in April, with a new version of the immunizing agent. She will already be able to prevent the strain that caused the epidemic in the city.
While trying to control Influenza, Rio de Janeiro is dealing with the advance of the Ômicron variant of the new coronavirus. The city has two confirmed cases, both imported. The second was announced on Monday afternoon (3), by SMS: a 23-year-old Brazilian, resident of New York, who arrived in Brazil on December 17th.
The sample was sequenced by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. The patient had already taken two doses of the Moderna vaccine against Covid-19, the second of which, more than six months ago, and no longer has symptoms.
Reference: CNN Brasil
