Rio de Janeiro reports over 15,000 severe acute respiratory syndrome cases

The state of Rio de Janeiro has surpassed 15,000 recorded cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) in 2026, according to data from the State Health Secretariat (SES-RJ). While the state is no longer classified among those with an alert level and upward growth trend, metapneumovirus continues to show an increase in incidence.

According to the Fiocruz InfoGripe bulletin, while the long-term trend for SRAG cases in Brazil shows a decline over the last six weeks, specific regions remain under watch. In the period of October 11 to 17, Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Sergipe were identified as having alert or risk levels with growing trends. In Sergipe, the rise is driven by metapneumovirus, in Goiás by rhinovirus, and in Mato Grosso primarily by Covid-19, with impacts most notable among young children.

Nationally, there is a noted increase in SRAG cases caused by metapneumovirus, alongside slight growth in severe cases of rhinovirus and Covid-19. Health experts emphasize the importance of booster vaccinations, particularly for the elderly and immunocompromised, as Covid-19 cases remain low across most of the country.