The increase in cases and deaths caused by Covid-19 raises a state of alert in Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina had A new increase in the number of cases of Coronavirus Covid-19 in October, according to the state Department of Health. The state also saw an increase in the number of deaths: in October there were 21 and in November 43 deaths. This year alone, the state recorded more than 48,000 cases of the disease.

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The peak in the number of cases occurred in the 43rd epidemiological week, that is, the end of October, when more than 3,000 cases of the disease were recorded. In the last week of November, that number reached 639.

Between October and November 2023, 17,204 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Santa Catarina. Epidemiological indicators for COVID-19 showed a decline in the number of active cases from 7,708 in October to 6,519 in November.

In the same period, there has been a decrease in severe cases of the disease. The number of hospitalizations rose from 520 in October to 403 in November. According to the SES, patients are hospitalized mainly by older patients and/or patients with comorbidities, or those who are immunocompromised, and are more vulnerable to decompensation and complications related to virus infection. People with an incomplete vaccination schedule, with delayed booster doses, are also more affected.

— A patient experiencing signs, symptoms, and respiratory discomfort needs to seek emergency care immediately. Even mild cases can develop into severe forms in patients with risk factors. It is wise for anyone suffering from comorbidities and respiratory infections to seek out a health service to better evaluate what course of action to follow – warns Fabio Godenzi Di Faria, Supervisor of Health Surveillance.

Vaccination and prevention

At the beginning of December, the Ministry of Health issued a technical note recommending the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (bivalent) for people aged 60 years or over, and for immunocompromised people over the age of 12 who have received the last dose. The bivalent vaccine is given for more than 6 months.

This recommendation comes due to the detection of the Ômicron variant of concern BA.2.86 (SARS-CoV-2) and sublines BA.2.86.3, JN.3, JN.1, and BA.2.86.1 in Brazil.

In addition to vaccination, there are other important preventive measures:

• Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol gel;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Use respiratory etiquette (cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with your forearm and dispose of used tissues and masks in the trash);
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that people frequently touch, such as toys, door handles, and mobile devices;
• Avoid close contact with sick people, avoid kissing or sharing glasses, cutlery or personal items;
• Do not share personal items, such as glasses and cutlery;
• Keep environments well ventilated, with doors and windows open, to allow airflow in areas;
• If respiratory symptoms appear, go to a health service to undergo a COVID-19 test, wear a mask, and avoid crowding.
• If a positive result for the disease appears, the recommended isolation must be adhered to.

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