Fiocruz reports rise in respiratory viruses across Brazil

The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) has reported an upward trend in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) cases across Brazil, specifically linked to rhinovirus, metapneumovirus, and Sars-CoV-2. While weekly COVID-19 cases remain at low levels, health experts are urging priority groups to ensure their vaccinations are up to date and recommending that pregnant women receive the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.

Nationally, there is a slight increase in SRAG cases among children and adolescents aged 2 to 14, while other age groups remain stable. Conversely, cases of RSV and influenza B are declining, and influenza A hospitalizations remain stable at low incidence levels.

Regionally, the states of Alagoas, Roraima, and Sergipe are under alert, risk, or high-risk levels for SRAG, showing growth over the last six weeks. In Alagoas and Sergipe, this increase is primarily driven by metapneumovirus and affects children and adolescents. In Roraima, the specific causative agent has not yet been determined. Additionally, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina are also at alert or risk levels, though without long-term growth trends.