Santa Catarina‘s ICUs strained Amid Respiratory Disease Surge
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A sharp increase in respiratory illnesses has pushed Santa Catarina’s intensive care units to near capacity, prompting emergency measures in Florianópolis.
Critical ICU Bed Shortages Across Santa Catarina
Six macroregions within Santa Catarina are currently designated as “red zones” due to extremely high occupancy rates in adult intensive care units (ICUs). According to the latest data from the SUS Strategic Information Center (Cieges SC), the overall occupancy rate for patients over 15 years old has reached a concerning 96.14%. this leaves a mere 37 available beds out of 958 active adult ICU beds statewide.
The severity of the situation varies across the regions. The Itajaí River mouth macroregion reports a staggering 100% occupancy of adult ICU beds. Close behind are the Itajaí Valley (99.39%) and Greater florianópolis (98.69%). The North and Northeast Plateau regions are also facing critical conditions, with an occupancy rate of 96.97%, followed by the south region at 96.12%. The Greater West,Serra Santa Catarina,and the western half of the state report occupancy rates of 95.65%, 94.74%, and 85.71%, respectively.
these figures highlight the immense pressure on the state’s healthcare infrastructure, notably as the winter months approach, historically a period of increased respiratory illness transmission. The overall ICU occupancy rate, encompassing adult, pediatric, and neonatal beds, stands at 90.72%, with only 133 beds available out of 1,433 active beds.
Florianópolis Declares Public Health Emergency
In response to the escalating crisis, the city of Florianópolis declared a State of Emergency in Public Health
last Thursday, May 1st. This declaration, valid for 180 days, is a direct consequence of the surge in cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) within the city.
City officials report a dramatic increase in healthcare demand, with pediatric care rising by 84.59% and adult clinical care increasing by 42.55% due to respiratory infections between January and April of this year. Over 400 cases related to SRAG have been recorded in the capital of Santa Catarina during this period, leading to increased hospitalizations and overcrowded healthcare facilities.
Adding to the strain, transfers from Urgent Care Units (UPAs) to hospitals have surged by 260% between March and April. this situation is further elaborate by the onset of colder temperatures, which typically exacerbate the spread and severity of respiratory diseases.
It’s not a moment of panic, but we need to redouble our care and especially vaccinate the flu. We are also intensifying the monitoring of the number of cases, the positivity rate of the tests, the waiting time in the care and the severity of the cases served, as well as reinforcing the teams for careAlmir gentil, Municipal Secretary of Health
Understanding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG)
SRAG encompasses severe cases of flu-like illness that lead to respiratory distress and, in many instances, require hospitalization. According to the Santa Catarina Epidemiological surveillance Board (Dive/SC), SRAG is diagnosed when a patient presents with flu-like symptoms and impaired respiratory function, without a clear alternative cause.
The causes of SRAG can be diverse, including respiratory viruses such as influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), as well as bacterial and fungal infections.
Key Definitions:
- Flu-like Illness (SG): Defined as an acute respiratory condition characterized by at least two of the following symptoms: fever (reported or measured), chills, sore throat, headache, cough, runny nose, or olfactory/taste disorders.
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG): Defined as SG accompanied by dyspnea (shortness of breath)/respiratory distress, persistent chest pain or pressure, oxygen saturation below 95% in room air, or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin).
Preventative Measures and Public Health Recommendations
given the current situation, health officials are urging residents of Santa Catarina to prioritize preventative measures to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses. Vaccination against influenza is strongly recommended, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, is also crucial.
Moreover, individuals experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness are advised to seek medical attention promptly and to isolate themselves to prevent further transmission. Public health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and may implement additional measures as needed to control the outbreak and protect the healthcare system.
Santa catarina Grapples with Respiratory Surge: Vaccination Efforts Underway
Published by archnetys News
Rising Respiratory Illnesses Prompt Action in Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina is currently facing an elevated number of respiratory illness cases, leading to increased pressure on the state’s healthcare infrastructure. While officials are actively monitoring the situation and implementing strategies to mitigate the impact, concerns remain about hospital capacity and the well-being of vulnerable populations. The State Secretariat of Health (SES/SC) is working closely with hospitals to assess the correlation between adult ICU occupancy rates and the prevalence of respiratory diseases.
Vaccination Campaign Prioritizes Vulnerable Groups
In response to the surge, a comprehensive influenza vaccination campaign is underway. The vaccine is currently available to priority groups, including:
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- The elderly
- Individuals with chronic diseases or disabilities
- Healthcare workers
- Education, safety, and transportation personnel
in Florianópolis, vaccinations are being administered at all health centers, the Immuniza Floripa space, via a mobile vaccination van, and at partner vaccination sites like Sesc. Starting May 12th, vaccination will be open to the entire population over 6 months of age.
Health officials strongly encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated to protect themselves and help reduce the strain on the healthcare system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
, annual influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its possibly serious complications.
State Secretariat of Health Responds to ICU Capacity Concerns
The SES/SC has issued a statement addressing concerns about ICU bed occupancy rates. The statement emphasizes the state’s commitment to expanding healthcare capacity and ensuring access to care for all citizens.
The State Secretariat of Health (SES) is evaluating with hospitals the relationship between the rate of adult ICU occupation in the state and respiratory diseases. It is important to reinforce that the flu vaccine has been available in Santa Catarina since april 7, for priority groups, which includes children between 6 months to under 6 years old, elderly, pregnant women and postpartums after childbirth. Influenza virus in circulation in Brazil and prevents serious cases of respiratory diseases.
State Secretariat of Health of Santa Catarina (SES/SC)
The SES/SC also highlighted the meaningful expansion of ICU bed capacity in recent years.
Santa Catarina was the state that most expanded the SUS network of ICU beds in recent years. Since 2023, 264 new intensive care beds have been opened, between adults and children, distributed in various regions. Another 30 beds are scheduled to open soon in the Itajaí Valley, in the north and mouth of the Itajaí River.
State Secretariat of Health of Santa Catarina (SES/SC)
Despite the increased capacity, hospitals are operating at historically high occupancy rates due to the demand for specialized procedures and emergency care. The Secretariat assures the public that the health system operates as a network, ensuring patients are transferred to available beds in other units or private facilities if necessary.
The Secretariat stresses that the Santa Catarina health system operates in a network, ensuring assistance to all citizens. If there are no vacancies in a hospital, regulation seeks beds in other units, initially in the same region and, if necessary, in other locations or in the private network.
State Secretariat of Health of Santa Catarina (SES/SC)
As of May 2nd, the ICU bed panel indicated 130 available beds across the state (39 adult, 41 neonatal, and 50 pediatric), with an overall average occupancy rate of 90%. These figures are subject to constant change.
It is indeed noteworthy that on the afternoon of Friday,May 2,the ICU beds panel indicates that there are 130 ICU beds available in the state available,39 adults,41 neonatals and 50 pediatric. The overall average of bed occupation is 90%. These numbers are subject to constant variations.
State Secretariat of Health of Santa Catarina (SES/SC)
The SES/SC continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and hospital occupancy, particularly as the peak season for respiratory viruses approaches. They are committed to maintaining investments in expanding and improving the state’s healthcare network.
SES continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and hospital occupation, especially with the approach of the seasonality period of respiratory viruses, and maintains its investments to expand and qualify the health network in the state.
State Secretariat of Health of Santa Catarina (SES/SC)
Encouragingly, data from Cieges indicates that the number of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) cases in adults in 2025 is lower compared to the same period in 2024.
According to data from Cieges, the number of cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) in adults in 2025 is shorter compared to the same period as 2024.
State Secretariat of Health of Santa Catarina (SES/SC)
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