A concerning surge in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases is prompting a public health response in teh state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data released this week show that deaths attributed to SARS have already exceeded all of 2024’s total, with 868 recorded fatalities as of September 27, 2025. Health officials are investigating the cause of the increase, with a focus on potential links to declining influenza vaccination rates and the ongoing circulation of multiple respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19.
The number of deaths from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, has already surpassed the total recorded for all of 2024, according to data released by the Strategic Information Center for the Unified Health System (Cieges/SC). As of Thursday, September 27, 2025, 868 deaths have been recorded this year, 111 more than the 757 reported throughout 2024.
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, low blood oxygen levels, and a bluish discoloration of the lips or face. The syndrome can be caused by a variety of respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19. This increase in severe respiratory illness highlights the continued vulnerability of populations to respiratory infections, even after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cases in Santa Catarina
The data reveals that women aged 70 to 79 represent the group most affected by the 868 deaths recorded in 2025, accounting for 52.9% of the total. An additional 183 deaths occurred among men and women between the ages of 60 and 69.
Among the identified viruses, influenza is linked to 264 deaths, rhinovirus to 81, and COVID-19 to 70. However, 356 deaths remain attributed to unidentified agents.
Florianópolis has reported the highest number of cases within the state, with 1,916 confirmed cases and 102 deaths in 2025. In 2024, the capital city recorded 1,752 cases and 78 deaths.
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“This phenomenon has occurred throughout the country,” stated Dr. Fábio Gaudenzi, Superintendent of Health Surveillance. “Studies are underway to fully understand the reason for this increase in influenza lethality in Brazil in 2025.”
“One of the hypotheses raised is the decline in influenza vaccination coverage in recent years following the pandemic,” Dr. Gaudenzi explained. “With this systematic decrease in vaccine protection, we may be seeing an increase in mortality in the most vulnerable groups – those who should be receiving the vaccine annually, such as the elderly and young children.” He emphasized, “Those who are vaccinated are more protected against severe illness from the influenza virus.”
Measures to Combat SARS in Santa Catarina
The State Health Department (SES) stated in a release that it has intensified efforts to contain the spread of SARS since the first half of the year. These efforts underscore the importance of proactive public health measures in responding to emerging respiratory threats.
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Expanded and advanced vaccination campaigns have been implemented for the entire population starting at six months of age. Communication efforts regarding prevention and local initiatives, such as mobile vaccination units, are also underway. The SES also highlighted the importance of vaccination against influenza.
“Immunization protects against the main influenza viruses circulating in the country and significantly reduces the risk of complications and severe cases. Consult your health unit to find out the locations for vaccine administration,” the department noted.
In addition, 56 emergency beds were opened in 2025 to support patient care, adding to the 291 beds created since 2023. The state’s healthcare network now totals 1,463 adult and pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds.
The SES advises the public to get vaccinated, especially the elderly, children, and people with underlying health conditions, and to follow basic prevention measures.
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What the State Health Department Says About Cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
“To contain the increase in cases and deaths from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2025, compared to the previous year, the State Health Department (SES) has been adopting a series of measures since the first semester, with broad dissemination in the media and on the official channels of the State Government.
In partnership with municipalities, guidance on how to prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses has been reinforced and communication about the importance of vaccination has been intensified. The influenza campaign was expanded in advance – starting with Vaccination Day – to the entire population, starting at 6 months of age, as long as doses are available in the municipalities. Public and municipal institutions also carried out vaccination actions, such as vaccine vans and other strategies to immunize the population, during the campaign.
To ensure care for patients with SARS, Santa Catarina opened 56 new emergency beds in various regions. These beds are in addition to the 291 opened since 2023, integrating the state network, which now totals 1,463 adult and pediatric ICU beds.
The SES continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and hospital care, maintaining continuous investments to expand and qualify the health network throughout the state.
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It is important to reinforce that the flu vaccine remains available to the entire population starting at 6 months of age, while supplies last. Immunization protects against the main influenza viruses circulating in the country and significantly reduces the risk of complications and severe cases. Consult your health unit to find out the locations for vaccine administration.
