Amapá has an outbreak of Srag that has already killed six children – 05/22/2023 – Health

Amapá is facing an outbreak of serious respiratory diseases that has already caused the death of six children. The occupancy of beds in pediatric ICUs (intensive care units) in the state exceeds 90%.

This Sunday (21), a Brazilian Navy ship left the port of Belém bound for Amapá carrying oxygen cargo. The expected arrival date is Tuesday (23).

The Secretary of State for Health, Silvana Vedovelli, says that the reason for the outbreak is the low vaccination coverage in the state, since, according to the person responsible for the folder, parents are not taking their children to be immunized.

There is a high incidence of respiratory diseases in children under one year old. Vaccination against flu and Covid can be done from six months of age.

On the 13th, Governor Clécio Luís (Solidariedade) declared a state of emergency in the area of ​​health.

One of the predominant viruses in the outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in the state is the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), which causes diseases such as bronchiolitis, inflammation that makes it difficult for oxygen to reach the lungs.

Other viruses identified in the outbreak are influenza A and B and Covid-19, according to a survey by the SVS (Superintendence of Health Surveillance).

The outbreak puts pressure on the capacity of hospitals in the state, which are also serving children who cannot yet be immunized.

“More than 90% of the beds are occupied by children, mainly those younger than 6 months. They are babies a few months old, that is, children who leave the maternity hospital healthy and return infected. It is necessary for adults to maintain and be responsible for sanitary hygiene and avoid exposing them”, says the superintendent of Health Surveillance in the state, Margarete Gomes, in a government statement.

The HCA (Hospital for Children and Adolescents) and the PAI (Emergency Care for Children), both in the capital Macapá, recorded 171 hospitalized patients this Sunday. Of these, 35 in ICUs. At the Mãe Luzia Women’s Hospital, also in the capital, 18 babies under one month old are still hospitalized with SARS.

The Secretary of State for Health says that in the week of May 12, vaccination coverage in Amapá was at 14%, a percentage that has now reached 40.36%, specifically in relation to the immunization of children up to 5 years old.

The percentage, however, is considered low. “Ideally it should be at 90%, says the secretary”. A series of meetings are being held with mayors and municipal health secretaries to encourage vaccination in the state.

The most recent was held this Sunday. “I want to ask for everyone’s help to intensify the health recommendations. If the person has symptoms, wear a mask, avoid going out with your children to crowded places”, said the governor, at the meeting.

“These preventive measures are important to prevent more people, more children from being affected by the flu syndrome. We are doing our job, but we need everyone’s collaboration”, he said.

Oxygen

The Navy ship that left Belém bound for Amapá carries 32,695 cubic meters of gaseous oxygen. The vessel left around 2 am this Sunday (21) from the Naval Base of Val de Cães, in the capital, bound for Santana (AP).

The ship also carries hospital equipment.

“The Brazilian Navy has, among its capabilities, mobile logistical support. We are in partnership with the Brazilian Company of Hospital Services, enabling the transport of large oxygen cylinders and other hospital materials to Amapá”, said the Navy, in a statement.

According to the Secretary of State for Health, oxygen supply in the state is normal. The cargo transported by the Navy, however, according to the person in charge of the folder, will be used in ten ICU beds and 20 clinics that will be opened in the state.

The Ministry of Health reported having sent to Macapá on Tuesday (16) ten technicians to reinforce the COE (Emergency Operations Center) who will also act in the investigation of the outbreak.