The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) issued an alert note on Friday (13) for a “considerable increase” in possible cases of the XBB variant of Covid-19 in the country.
In a statement, the Brazilian institution highlighted that the new strain has spread worldwide, especially the XBB.1.5 strain (called “Kraken”) in the United States, associated with an increase in hospitalizations for the coronavirus.
According to the statement, the Fiocruz Genomic Network identified an increase in positive Covid-19 tests without the mutation that characterizes the Ômicron lineage BA.5 and its subvariants, which was seen in “practically 100% of the tests performed”. Unlike Omicron (which has an identifiable mutation in diagnostic tests), XBB can only be detected through genetic sequencing.
Possible samples with XBB strains increased from 5% of the total analyzed in early December to 15% in the last week of that month. “Considering the global scenario of the diversity of Sars-CoV-2 variants, the researchers concluded that the increase in variants without this mutation may correspond to the XBB lineage”, highlighted the institution.
Fiocruz also highlighted that genomic sequencing data detected two samples with the XBB.1.5 lineage, in São Paulo. “However, genomic data from December is still sparse, highlighting the importance of PCR variant inference tools for early detection of changing virus circulation profile.”
The PCR tests analyzed in the report were carried out by a network of private laboratories that collaborate with Fiocruz. The first case identified in Brazil, on January 5, is a 54-year-old woman who lives in the municipality of Indaiatuba, in the interior of São Paulo.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on January 4 of the increase in cases of XBB.1.5 in Europe and the United States. “XBB.1.5, a recombination of the BA.2 sublines, is increasing in Europe and the United States, has been identified in more than 25 countries and WHO is closely monitoring it,” said WHO Director-General Tedros at the time. Adhanom.
How Brazil can prepare to face the XBB.1.5 subvariant
THE CNN consulted the Ministry of Health on the risk assessment regarding the possible increase in cases of the disease in the country and whether changes are planned in prevention protocols.
In a note, the ministry responded that it is closely monitoring the epidemiological scenario of Covid-19 in Brazil, as well as the evolution of vaccination coverage and technological innovations for prevention and treatment against the disease.
To reduce the risks of transmission, the ministry reinforced the need to adopt prevention and control measures described in the Covid-19 Epidemiological Surveillance Guide.
The document guides non-pharmacological prevention measures, including physical distancing, respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, use of masks, cleaning and disinfection of environments, isolation of suspected and confirmed cases, as well as the quarantine of their contacts.
According to the ministry, the expansion of vaccination coverage against Covid-19, including the application of booster doses, is one of the main methods to reduce the risks of disease outbreaks in Brazil.
“In addition, it advises on the importance of completing the vaccination schedule with the booster doses indicated for each public, thus guaranteeing maximum protection against the virus and its variants, and recommends that states and municipalities carry out an active search for the population that still has overdue doses”, says the ministry in a note.
*Published by Fernanda Pinotti, with information by Lucas Rocha
Source: CNN Brasil
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