Paraguay facing a multifaceted threat of respiratory infections including COVID-19, Influenza and Rhinovirus
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 28, 2024 1 month, 3 weeks, 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes ago
Medical News: Surge in Respiratory Illnesses
Paraguay is currently grappling with a significant surge in respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza, and rhinovirus. The Ministry of Health has reported an alarming increase in cases, revealing a concerning trend in the simultaneous circulation of multiple respiratory viruses. Despite the seasonal drop in temperature, the persistence of these viruses has kept the nation on high alert.
Paraguay facing a multifaceted threat of respiratory infections including COVID-19,
Influenza and Rhinovirus
Multiple Viruses in Circulation
According to the latest data and local
Medical News reports, the country is witnessing the concurrent presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19), rhinovirus, influenza, and metapneumovirus. This complex mix of viruses has contributed to a notable rise in respiratory-related medical consultations. During the week of July 8th to July 14th, 2024 (week 28), a staggering 30,879 medical consultations across various hospitals and clinics for respiratory conditions were recorded nationwide.
Increasing Demand for Medical Attention
The Ministry of Health has observed a continuous upward trend in the demand for care for respiratory conditions. The number of cases has consistently remained above the alert threshold, indicating a pressing need for heightened vigilance and medical preparedness.
https://www.mspbs.gov.py/portal
https://www.ultimahora.com/registran-circulacion-simultanea-de-covid-influenza-y-rhinovirus
In sentinel centers, 381 hospitalizations for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) were reported for the same period. A significant proportion of these cases were associated with RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. Notably, 57% of hospitalizations involved children, with 67% of these being under the age of two. Among adults, 43% of the hospitalizations were observed, with 60% of these patients being over the age of 60. Alarmingly, 97% of the hospitalized patients had not received the annual influenza vaccine, and none had been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Emergence of the KP Variants
COVID-19 remains a formidable challenge in Paraguay, with the KP variants continuing to be the predominant strains.
The health authorities have issued a warning regarding the detection of a case involving the variant under surveillance, known as KP.2.3, and also other KP variants such as KP.2, KP.3, LP.1 and KP.3.1.1. These new variants which are highly transmissible and highly immune evasive, have raised concerns due to its potential impact on public health, necessitating increased vigilance and monitoring.
Symptoms and Precautions
The Ministry of Health is urging the public to seek medical attention promptly if they expe
rience symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat. It is crucial to obtain a proper diagnosis, determine the specific virus involved, and receive appropriate treatment. Early medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of complications and prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate the spread of respiratory infections, the Ministry emphasizes the importance of several preventive measures. These include the annual vaccination against influenza and COVID-19, which are available at vaccination centers across the country for individuals aged six months and older. Vaccination remains a key strategy in reducing hospitalizations and associated deaths.
In addition to vaccination, the Ministry advises the public to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, ventilating closed spaces, avoiding close contact with individuals displaying respiratory symptoms, and covering coughs with the elbow. Wearing face masks when experiencing symptoms is also recommended to protect others.
Community Response and Public Health Efforts
The Ministry of Health’s surveillance efforts have been instrumental in identifying and responding to the surge in respiratory infections. Continuous monitoring and reporting have provided valuable insights into the trends and patterns of virus circulation, enabling targeted interventions.
Public awareness campaigns have been launched to educate the community about the importance of vaccination, timely medical consultations, and adherence to preventive measures. The collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, government agencies, and the public are crucial in navigating this challenging period.
Conclusion
Paraguay is facing a multifaceted threat from respiratory infections, with COVID-19, influenza, and rhinovirus posing significant challenges. The simultaneous circulation of multiple viruses has led to an increase in medical consultations and hospitalizations, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance and proactive measures.
As the country grapples with these health challenges, the Ministry of Health’s call for timely medical attention, vaccination, and adherence to preventive measures remains paramount. By working together and taking proactive steps, Paraguay can navigate this period of heightened respiratory infections and safeguard the health and well-being of its population.
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/sars-cov-2-kp-3-1-1-variant-doubles-covid-19-cases-to-13672-in-a-week-in-italy
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-medical-news-minnesota-reports-worrying-covid-19-hospitalizations-trends
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