More than 32,000 flu consultations were recorded last week, with an increase in hospitalizations, especially among children and older adults. Health authorities urge caution in the face of the increase in respiratory infections and COVID-19.
In the 38th week of the year, the country registered a worrying increase in flu consultations, reaching a total of 32,505. This increase maintains the epidemic curve above the alert thresholdwhich generates concern among health authorities.
During this period, then 365 hospitalizations for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in the Sentinel Centers. Most cases are associated with respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV2, with a notable 56% of hospitalized patients belonging to the pediatric population, which highlights the vulnerability of the little ones to these viruses.
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Respiratory viruses identified among hospitalized patients include syncytial virus, SARS-CoV2 and Rhinovirus, as well as cases of Metapneumovirus, Parainfluenza and Influenza B. This variety of pathogens indicates an intense respiratory disease season, which puts the country’s health system to the test.
In the area of COVID-19, confirmed 259 new cases in 16 regions of the country, with 62% of the cases coming from the Metropolitan axis. In particular, Central and Asunción contributed 31% each to the total number of infections. Of the 3,164 samples processed, the positivity rate is 8.5%.
Likewise, it was observed a 5% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizationswith 38 new hospitalizations, of which 4 require intensive care.
The greatest load of iBoarding schools concentrate on children under 5 years of age and adults over 80evidencing the need to protect these most vulnerable groups.
Fortunately, the report indicates that No deaths due to COVID-19 were confirmed at the end of week 38, which provides a respite amid the growing number of infections. However, health authorities continue to urge the population to adopt preventive measures to reduce the spread of these viruses.
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