PE decrees emergency due to overcrowding of children’s ICUs – 06/21/2023 – Health

The government of Pernambuco declared a public health emergency situation due to the high occupancy rates of neonatal and pediatric ICU (Intensive Care Units) beds due to the increase in cases of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

The emergency is valid for a period of 90 days and may be extended. ICU beds for children operate at maximum capacity in the state, according to the government.

The measure, signed by Governor Raquel Lyra (PSDB), was published in an extra edition of the Official Journal of Pernambuco on Tuesday (20) and authorizes the adoption of administrative measures necessary to deal with the situation. The Secretary of Health, Zilda do Rêgo Cavalcanti, also signed the document.

According to the Secretary of Health of Pernambuco, 54 children were waiting for an ICU for Srag in the state this Wednesday (21), while another five were waiting for an intensive care bed of clinical pediatrics.

Regarding newborns, eight are in line for a neonatal ICU, according to the secretariat.

From January to June this year, 1,971 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome were recorded in children up to 10 years old, including 36 deaths. In the same period, in 2022, there were 2,243 records, with 67 deaths, according to the state Health Department.

The folder says that Pernambuco is experiencing a period of seasonality for respiratory viruses between the months of May and July, which causes an increase in demand for specialized beds in the public health network, mainly for assistance aimed at pediatric care.

In all, Pernambuco’s public health network has 219 ICU beds for the pediatric public.