Paraná Health Officials Urge Vaccination & Preventative Measures Amid Rising Respiratory Virus Cases
Paraná is experiencing a surge in respiratory virus activity, with 2,884 new hospitalizations due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) reported between October 4th and November 8th, according to the 19th Epidemiological Report on Respiratory Viruses of 2025 (SE 45). To date in 2025, the state has recorded a total of 27,533 SARS hospitalizations and 1,729 related deaths.
influenza is currently the leading cause of death among these cases, accounting for 431 (24.9%) of fatalities. Other respiratory viruses contributed to 273 (15.8%) deaths, while COVID-19 was linked to 154 (8.9%) deaths.
Acting Secretary of State for Health, César Neves, emphasized the critical role of vaccination. “Vaccination is our main and most effective tool to prevent serious forms and deaths caused by respiratory viruses,” he stated, urging children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions to seek vaccination at Basic Health units.
Surveillance data from the Flu Syndrome Sentinel Surveillance (SG) indicates that nearly half of the samples analyzed (49.3%) tested positive for respiratory viruses. Influenza A (H1N1) is the dominant strain, representing 71.2% of positive influenza cases.
The report highlights a concerning trend of worsening cases among vulnerable populations. Children under 6 years old have experienced 6,618 SARS cases and 54 deaths,while individuals over 60 years old have accounted for 3,841 cases and 637 deaths throughout the evaluation period.
The State Health Department (Sesa) is strongly recommending that priority groups ensure their vaccinations are current, reiterating that immunization is the most effective strategy for reducing the severity and mortality associated with SARS.
Beyond vaccination, Sesa recommends the following preventative measures:
* Frequent hand hygiene with soap and water, especially before meals and after coughing or sneezing. Use 70% alcohol gel when soap and water are unavailable.
* Covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
* Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
* Not sharing personal items like cutlery, glasses, or bottles.
* Maintaining well-ventilated environments.
* Avoiding crowded spaces and close contact with individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
* Temporarily removing children and adults with symptoms from school or work until at least 24 hours after symptoms subside.
* Seeking medical attention promptly for symptoms including sudden fever, malaise, sore throat, dry cough, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or hoarseness.
Paraná’s proactive approach to combating SARS has garnered national and international recognition. In October, the state’s management of the situation was praised by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the National Council of Health Secretaries (Conass), and the Ministry of Health (MS). Key strategies contributing to this success included early influenza vaccination campaigns, the addition of 204 infirmary and ICU beds to accommodate SARS patients, the procurement of 100,000 rapid diagnostic tests, the integration of care networks statewide, and consistent public awareness campaigns. These efforts allowed Paraná to navigate the peak months without declaring a public health emergency, unlike some neighboring states.
(Source: AEN - State News Agency | Catve.com)
