State of Amazonas records rise in Covid-19 and respiratory viruses among vulnerable populations

By Fred Santana – From Cenarium

MANAUS (AM) – The latest InfoGripe Bulletin from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) showed that Covid-19 has once again become the main cause of hospitalizations for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) among the elderly in Amazonas and Rio de Janeiro in recent weeks. The report, released on Thursday, 4, and referring to Epidemiological Week 35 (August 24–30), indicates that the circulation of Sars-CoV-2 requires renewed attention to updating vaccination for at-risk groups.

In Amazonas, besides the increase in hospitalizations for Covid-19 among elderly people, the bulletin highlighted a significant growth of SARS cases in children up to four years old, driven by the advance of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). According to the analysis, the presence of the virus has resulted in growing hospitalizations, which worries health authorities due to the impact on the child population.

“In reality, this is an epidemic that reached high incidence levels among children under five throughout August, especially those under two years old. Among people aged 65 and over, there was also a sharp increase, probably due to a combination of effects, including the school recess/holidays, but also the complete relaxation and disregard for Covid-19,” explained epidemiologist Jesem Orellana, from Fiocruz Amazônia, to CENARIUM.

Another contributing factor is the drop in vaccination coverage. “Another factor is the vaccination coverage against the disease and its schemes, especially booster doses for the elderly. This is a serious mistake, as the disease continues killing thousands worldwide,” warned Jesem.

Denialism

The disinformation campaign promoted by local politicians may also be a factor behind the decline in immunization. Last week, state deputy Débora Menezes (PL-AM) spoke out against child vaccination in Amazonas. On August 29, the parliamentarian posted a video on her social media calling it “absurd” that a Manaus school required parents to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination for children. In November 2023, Menezes presented a bill in the Legislative Assembly to prohibit mandatory Covid-19 vaccination for children aged zero to five.

“The irresponsible and unreasonable anti-vaccine narrative of deputy Débora Menezes is undoubtedly a serious problem that remains unpunished in the country. People like her certainly contribute, to some extent, to the visible and concerning increase in SARS incidence, especially among schoolchildren aged 5–14 in Amazonas in August 2025,” stressed Orellana.

States showing upward trend

Another Amazonian state being monitored, Amapá, showed growth in SARS cases, especially among children and adolescents, linked to increased rhinovirus cases. This trend was also observed in Goiás, the Federal District, and Rio de Janeiro. In Espírito Santo, however, the increase mainly affects the elderly population.

The researcher responsible for the bulletin, Tatiana Portella, from Fiocruz’s Scientific Computing Program, emphasized that although Covid-19 levels are not yet considered alarming, the recent circulation of the virus in several regions is a warning sign. She recommends that elderly and immunocompromised individuals maintain booster doses every six months, while people with comorbidities should update their protection once a year.

In addition, she advised that children and adolescents with flu-like symptoms remain at home and avoid attending school, given the strong circulation of rhinoviruses among these age groups.

Data from the last four epidemiological weeks showed that among positive SARS cases, 8.1% were attributed to influenza A, 1.7% to influenza B, 25.6% to RSV, 47% to rhinovirus, and 14% to Sars-CoV-2. Among recorded deaths, 23.8% were associated with influenza A, 2.2% with influenza B, 18.1% with RSV, 27.9% with rhinovirus, and 26.7% with Sars-CoV-2.

Edited by Adrisa De Góes
Translated from Portuguese by Gustô Alves