Sao Paulo-Brazil Records 54 Percent Increase Of COVID-19 Deaths And 85 Percent Increase In Infections!

COVID-19 News: In the heart of Brazil, the state of Sao Paulo is facing an ominous resurgence of COVID-19, marked by an unprecedented 85% increase in infections and a staggering 54% surge in deaths within a mere 15 days. This alarming trend, disclosed by the Info Tracker platform, is indicative of a renewed wave of the virus that poses significant challenges to public health infrastructure. In this COVID-19 News report, we delve into the various factors contributing to this surge, its impact on the populace, and the responses implemented to mitigate its effects.


Sao Paulo-Brazil Records 54 Percent Increase Of COVID-19 Deaths
And 85 Percent Increase In Infections!

Unveiling the Data
The Info Tracker platform, dedicated to monitoring the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, has brought forth disconcerting data.
https://www.spcovid.net.br/
 
Sao Paulo witnessed an 85% spike in cases, soaring from 7,000 to 13,000 in a fortnight. The gravity of the situation is further underscored by a 54% increase in fatalities, escalating from 57 to 88 victims within the same period. Wallace Casaca, coordinator of the SP Covid-19 Info Tracker platform and a researcher at Unesp and USP, expresses deep concern about the intersection of this uncontrolled COVID-19 spread with a surge in dengue cases and other respiratory infections, placing immense pressure on healthcare systems and service centers.
 
Various COVID-19 News and Dengue news coverages are already warning that hospitals and clinics across Brazil are inundated with sick individuals, either from Dengue, COVID-19, Flu, RSV and even Malaria, Measles and Cholera!
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/brazil-s-healthcare-doomed-as-covid-19-infections-rise-along-with-dengue-flu-rsv-malaria-zika-measles-tb-hiv-and-cholera-infections
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/parana-a-state-in-brazil-currently-inundated-with-rising-covid-19-infections-jn-2-5-and-jn-1-7-variants-possibly-at-play
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/brazil-records-more-than-1-million-cases-of-dengue-and-214-deaths-for-first-two-months-of-2024
 
New Wave Details
The new wave gripping São Paulo is fueled by a rapid dissemination of new Omicron subvariants, with JN.1 gaining prominence. The impact of recent mass-displacement events, including the Bolsonarista demonstration on Avenida Pau lista and the exuberant carnival celebrations, cannot be overstated. Casaca emphasizes that these large gatherings, particularly the Bolsonarista event on January 25th, with a staggering attendance of 185,000 people from various parts of Brazil, have likely acted as super-spreader events.
 
Comparative Analysis
Comparing the epidemiological data from the current week with the first week of 2024 reveals a distressing 377% increase in COVID-19 cases, presenting a dire picture of the current surge. The resurgence has compelled Sao Paulo residents to revert to wearing masks, especially in high-traffic environments and on public transport. As this wave gains momentum, the trend is not exclusive to Sao Paulo; other parts of the world, including the United States, are grappling with similar challenges.
 
Government Response and Recommendations
Acknowledging the critical situation, the state health department issued a note, asserting its constant monitoring of the epidemiological scenario, including the proliferation of variants. Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly emphasized, with particular emphasis on booster and bivalent doses. In addition to immunization efforts, the department underscores the enduring importance of well-known preventive measures: hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol gel and respiratory etiquette, emphasizing the necessity of covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
 
Campinas Faces a Surge in Deaths
Zooming in on Campinas, a city in Sao Paulo, the escalating COVID-19 cases have led to the highest number of deaths in one week since December 2022. The week of February 25th recorded 11 deaths, reflecting an upward trajectory in infections post-carnival and back-to-school periods. The positivity rate of COVID-19 tests has exceeded 40%, reaching 43.9%, reminiscent of the peak of the pandemic. Dr. Elda Motta from the Department of Health Surveillance assures that there is no indication of an increase in the severity of the disease. However, the observed growth in cases emphasizes the need for fundamental care, ranging from vaccination to stringent hand hygiene.
 
Challenges Faced by Campinas
Amid the escalating cases and deaths, Campinas confronts numerous challenges. A critical shortage of tests for diagnosing COVID-19 in the public network has raised concerns. Efforts are underway to expedite deliveries and avert potential shortages. Additionally, a low supply of the bivalent vaccine against the disease, with approximately 20% of Health Centers experiencing unavailability, compounds the challenges faced by the city. The city's Health Department attributes these shortages to the delayed and insufficient deliveries from the State.
 
Vaccination Coverage and Variants
According to the vaccinometer provided by the government of Sao Paulo, 89.87% of the state's population has completed the vaccination schedule. However, coverage is notably lower among children, with only 50.33% having a complete vaccination schedule in the age range from six months to 11 years. The new wave, fueled by variants like JN.1, is not isolated to Sao Paulo alone; it has also reached other parts of the country and even the northern hemisphere, as evidenced by the surge in cases in New York, United States.
Insight into the JN.1 Variant:
 
The JN.1 variant group, a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86), has gained prominence, being responsible for 60% of COVID-19 cases in Brazil in January 2024. JN.1 boasts over 30 mutations compared to the XBB.1.5 variant, which was dominant for most of 2023. Researchers warn that JN.1's additional mutations can impact its ability to evade protective immunity conferred by vaccines and previous infections.
 
Conclusion
The resurgence of COVID-19 in Sao Paulo, coupled with a surge in deaths in Campinas, paints a grim picture of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. The rapid spread of new Omicron subvariants and mass-displacement events are identified as major contributors to the alarming increase in cases and deaths. Vaccination, alongside known preventive measures, remains pivotal in curbing the virus. Sao Paulo's situation serves as a stark reminder of the collective efforts, vigilance, and swift responses required to navigate the ongoing health crisis successfully. As the world confronts new waves and variants, global cooperation and adherence to public health guidelines become paramount in ensuring the well-being of communities worldwide.
 
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