Fiocruz confirms presence of Omicron subvariant BQ.1 in Rio

Many countries have recorded an increase in the number of coronavirus cases associated with the coronavirus variant

The local distribution of the omicron subvariant BQ.1 compound of the novel coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 pandemic, has been determined in the city of Rio de Janeiro. According to the Municipal Health Department, it was confirmed by genetic sequencing carried out by Fucruz (Oswaldo Cruz Foundation).

“For now, the recommendation is for those who have not yet taken a booster dose of the covid-19 vaccine to seek out a health unit as of Monday. [7.nov.2022]To complete the immunization schedule‘ the secretary warned.

According to the municipal health minister, Daniel Sorans, the variable may be related to the increase in the number of cases seen in recent weeks.

“This alternative may cause an increase in the number of cases already at this time. It is a variant that has no sign of greater severity than the other sub-variables, but deserves full attention for that population not yet vaccinated. Therefore, people who have not taken the booster dose should look for a healthy unit to perform the booster dose, because the vaccine protects against alternative to hospitalization and death.‘ explained the secretary.

In the municipality, 25% of the adult population did not receive the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19. The second dose was given to 34.7% of those over 18 years of age.

Tests

The state health department said it sent a letter to 92 municipalities in the state on Friday (November 4) recommending that COVID-19 testing be expanded, due to the increase in the infection rate.

“Another 15-day analysis by state monitoring showed the positivity rate of RT-PCR and antigen tests for covid-19. RT-PCR rate increased from 3% to 7% and antigen rate from 5% to 16%As stated in the document.

The Minister of State for Health, Alexander Shebe, has warned that the increase in cases is being verified in several countries.

“We are watching in Several countries in the world The increase in coronavirus transmission is still linked to the ômicron variant, also prevalent in the state of Rio de Janeiro. At the moment, transmission is still low in the state, but we are following the scenario in other states, such as Sao Paulo, and we have a contingency plan, which will be put into action, if necessary.Shep said.

According to the secretary, at the moment, there is no spread of Sars-CoV-2 among respiratory diseases in the state.

“The survey also showed that despite the increased rate of positivity for covid-19, the most circulating respiratory viruses were rhinovirus, at 21%, and adenovirus, at 17%. SARS-CoV-2 virus appears in 4% of tested samples‘, the message says.

with information from Brazil Agency.