Covid-19 cases decrease in the North and increase in the Center-South, says Fiocruz

The Northern region of Brazil showed a decrease in the number of new Covid-19 cases, while the Central-South states recorded an increase. The data are from the latest InfoGripe bulletin, from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz).

The Northern states, which were the last to go through the recent cycle of increase in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) due to Covid-19 – around the turn of the year –, showed a sign of possible interruption and even signs of a decline. However, as the current analysis period was the week before Carnival, any hospitalizations that may occur as a result of infections during the period will only appear in the coming weeks.

“Between the person developing the first symptoms and a condition serious enough to require hospitalization, it takes around a week or just over a week. So, only in the coming weeks will we be able to begin to observe possible consequences in terms of hospitalizations. For now, it is still a pre-Carnival effect and the beginning of 2024”, explains InfoGripe coordinator, Marcelo Gomes.

In the Center-South of the country, some states have begun the process of resuming the increase in hospitalizations associated with Covid-19. São Paulo, Goiás, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul – in addition to the more incipient Rio de Janeiro – are the highlights. Also in the South and Southeast, some hospitalizations due to the influenza virus are observed – in a much smaller volume than Covid-19.

Marcelo Gomes makes a recommendation to revelers. “For those who participated in Carnival or live with people who enjoyed the festivities, it is important to be very aware of any symptoms of a cold or flu-like conditions.”

“If positive, the guidance is to seek a service center, get tested, and isolate yourself. Even if the test for Covid-19 eventually comes back negative – as there are occasional false negatives – it is important to isolate. Isolation and the use of a good mask, for those who have symptoms, works for both covid-19 and the flu, for influenza. Prevention is always more important and always easier”, he adds.

In the last eight weeks, the incidence and mortality of SARS have maintained the typical pattern of greatest impact among young children and the elderly. The incidence of SARS due to Covid-19 continues to affect more children up to 2 years of age and the population over 65 years of age. SARS mortality has remained significantly higher in the elderly, with Covid-19 predominating.