Brazil sees rise in respiratory virus hospitalizations

Hospital admissions for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A and B have increased in Brazil during epidemiological week 22 (31 May‑6 June). Data from Fiocruz’s InfoGripe show that 11 of the 27 federal units—Acre, Alagoas, Amapá, Paraná, Pará, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sergipe and São Paulo—are at alert, risk or high‑risk levels for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and exhibit a growing trend. Twelve additional states, including Amazonas, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, remain at alert or risk levels. So far, 3,591 SRAG deaths have been recorded.

Researchers advise hand‑washing, mask use in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces and isolation for symptomatic individuals. Priority groups are urged to receive vaccines against influenza and RSV. Laboratory data indicate that RSV drives most severe cases in children under 4, while rhinovirus predominates in those aged 5‑14. Influenza A cases are rising across all age groups, and influenza B is increasing among ages 5‑14 and 15‑49.