Six Cases of 'Flurona' Coinfection with COVID-19 and Flu Confirmed in Brazil

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Six cases of 'Flurona,' simultaneous infection with COVID-19 and influenza virus, have been confirmed in Brazil.

On the 3rd (local time), local media reported that patients infected with COVID-19 and influenza A virus (H3N2) were reported in the northeastern state of Ceara and the southeastern states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

The Ceara authorities announced that "two infants aged 1 year and a man in his 50s were confirmed as Flurona infection cases." The two infants were discharged after hospitalization without worsening of their condition, and the man in his 50s had mild symptoms and was not hospitalized.

In Rio de Janeiro state, a 16-year-old boy was simultaneously infected with COVID-19 and H3N2. The boy, who began showing cold symptoms last week, is a breakthrough infection case who had received both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. He is an athlete and reportedly showed relatively mild symptoms.

Rio de Janeiro city authorities stated, "There is one more patient simultaneously infected with COVID-19 and influenza," but did not disclose the identity or health status.

In Sao Paulo, a journalist tested positive for both COVID-19 and influenza at the end of last month and is currently in self-isolation.

Earlier, in Israel, on the 2nd, an unvaccinated pregnant woman was confirmed as a Flurona case. Although there are claims that this is the world's first case of simultaneous infection with COVID-19 and influenza virus, similar reports were made in the United States in early last year.

The Israel Times explained, "One year ago in winter, due to intensive COVID-19 prevention measures, the risk of simultaneous infection did not materialize, but this winter, different patterns are emerging, such as a sharp increase in influenza patients."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.