Patient from SP infected with the BQ.1 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus dies

The São Paulo State Health Department confirmed this Tuesday (8) the first death of a patient infected with the new subvariant Omicron BQ.1 of the coronavirus. According to the folder, it is a 72-year-old woman.

“She was bedridden and had comorbidities. What we still don’t know and is under investigation is the vaccination status,” said Health Secretary Jean Gorinchteyn, who emphasized the importance of immunization, including booster doses, for protection against illness.

The second confirmed patient with the subvariant in the state, a 61-year-old man, is doing well and is at home.

On the night of this Monday (7), São Paulo confirmed that it had identified the first two cases of Covid caused by the new subvariant.

Underlining is associated with the recent increase in Covid cases in Europe and the United States. In Brazil, the first occurrences were confirmed in Amazonas, Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul.

According to Alberto Chebabo, president of the SBI (Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases), the new subvariant manages to evade antibodies, “both produced by those who were vaccinated and by the natural infection, which increases its ability to cause infection”.

“The main concern is in relation to that portion of the population that is late or has not had the booster doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, as these individuals are more susceptible to contracting the disease and also having a more severe presentation”, added Salvato. .

In Rio Grande do Sul alone, there are more than 3 million people with delayed booster doses.

In addition to the need to complete the vaccination schedule, the folder reinforced measures such as wearing a mask and carrying out tests to confirm the diagnosis.