Brazil health agencies warn of flu, malaria and cold‑weather respiratory risks

Municipal health officials in Alegre, Brazil, urged residents to adopt simple preventive measures as temperatures fell, highlighting ventilation, hand hygiene, mask use and updated vaccinations to curb the spread of respiratory viruses, especially among children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions.

The State Health Secretariat of Mato Grosso do Sul reported a 43.85% influenza vaccination coverage, well below the target, and recorded 3,523 severe acute respiratory syndrome notifications, 525 confirmed influenza cases and 67 deaths in 2026. Officials emphasized vaccination, hand hygiene and ventilation to limit virus transmission during the colder months.

In the same state, the Secretariat of State Health and the Ministry of Health conducted a two‑day training in Três Lagoas for health workers from municipalities along the “Rota da Celulose.” The event focused on strengthening surveillance, diagnosis and response to malaria, introducing tafenoquine use and G6PD testing to improve treatment safety.

Marília city in São Paulo state saw a sharp rise in pediatric respiratory visits, with attendances up around 380% compared with earlier months. The municipal health department organized a special free flu‑vaccination drive on Saturday to increase coverage.

Goiás state health specialists warned that the dry, cold season dries mucous membranes, increasing risk of conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma. They recommended increased fluid intake, nasal irrigation, use of humidifiers, masks in crowded indoor spaces and prompt medical attention for worsening symptoms.