The increase in cases of respiratory diseases raises a state of alert in the region

Cases of viruses and respiratory illnesses have led to an increase in the number of medical consultations and even admissions to Cantagalo Hospital in recent weeks.

According to a survey conducted by the State Health Ministry’s Intelligence Center (SES-RJ), demand for hospital beds rose by 34% during May.

The main alert is cases of bronchiolitis, a disease that mainly affects infants and young children. Low temperatures favor the multiplication of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the main cause of the disease.

Some signs of bronchiolitis can serve as a warning, such as severe prostration, refusal to eat, difficulty breastfeeding and difficulty breathing. Other common conditions at this time are laryngitis and pharyngitis.

The increase in cases of viruses and respiratory diseases is due to changes in temperature and low relative humidity, typical fall/winter characteristics, which make high cases of these diseases common.

SES-RJ experts warn that with the arrival of winter, the situation is expected to get worse.

In Cantagalo (RJ), the increase in these cases has led to an increase in the number of emergency visits. Due to the lack of service in neighboring towns, patients end up going to Santa Casa de Caridad, which is a reference in the area.

According to the unit, to mitigate the impact on care, the emergency department at Cantagalo Hospital is staffed with two doctors through the Unified Health System (SUS).