Brazil records overall drop in severe respiratory virus hospitalizations, with rises in Acre and Rio Branco
InfoGripe, the surveillance system of the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), reported that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) hospitalizations declined across most of Brazil during epidemiological week 28 (12‑18 July 2026). The decrease was driven mainly by lower cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A and B.
Despite the national trend, the states of Acre, Maranhão, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina remained classified as risk or high‑risk, with a rising pattern in recent weeks. In the capitals, Rio Branco, João Pessoa and São Luís posted growth in SRAG cases. Children up to two years old continue to account for the highest incidence, largely due to RSV, while mortality stays higher among people aged 65 plus, especially from influenza A.
The total number of SRAG notifications reached 1,999 up to week 28, surpassing 2024 (1,732) and 2025 (1,481). Nationwide, the InfoGripe system has logged more than 120 000 SRAG notifications since the start of 2026. In Acre, 52 deaths were recorded, with deaths among children under two rising to 13. Health authorities urge continued vaccination (influenza, COVID‑19 and RSV for pregnant women), hand hygiene, mask use in health settings and isolation of symptomatic individuals.
Entities: Acre · Brazil · Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) · InfoGripe · Rio Branco
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Children up to two years old have the highest incidence of SRAG, mainly due to RSV.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The decline in SRAG hospitalizations was driven by reductions in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A and B.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Acre, Maranhão, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina remained at risk or high‑risk with rising SRAG trends.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Total SRAG notifications reached 1,999 up to week 28 2026, exceeding 1,732 in 2024 and 1,481 in 2025.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hospitalizations for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) decreased in most of Brazil during epidemiological week 28 (12‑18 July 2026).
- [● 2 SOURCES] The capitals Rio Branco, João Pessoa and São Luís reported growth in SRAG cases.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Acre recorded 52 deaths from SRAG up to week 28 2026, including 13 deaths among children under two.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mortality from SRAG remains higher among people aged 65 plus, especially due to influenza A.