Mato Grosso reports rise in severe respiratory syndrome cases among children

Mato Grosso is among the three Brazilian states reporting an increase in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) cases, according to the Fiocruz InfoGripe bulletin. The rise was identified in data from the period between August 16 and 22, with a significant concentration among children aged 2 to 4 years.

While laboratory data is currently insufficient to pinpoint the exact virus driving the increase in this specific age group, rhinovirus is identified as the primary cause of SRAG hospitalizations among children and adolescents nationwide. In Mato Grosso, there has also been a slight increase in severe cases linked to influenza B. COVID-19 hospitalization rates remain low across the country.

Regarding mortality, while the incidence of severe cases is highest among young children, deaths related to the syndrome remain most concentrated in the population aged 65 and older. In response to respiratory threats, Mato Grosso has administered over 750,000 influenza vaccine doses, with the highest uptake among seniors and children under six.