In an interview with CNN on Sunday (23), Fiocruz pulmonologist and researcher, Margareth Dalcolmo, said she is not optimistic about Brazil’s ability to contain the variant that originated in India, which was discovered in Maranhão. “I do not believe [que vamos controlar]. I think it is only a matter of time and we will discover the India variable that is circulating elsewhere and it is very difficult to contain.

Dalkolmo believes that although the Ministry of Health is taking appropriate measures at the moment – such as border control and widespread testing in São Luis (the capital of Maranhão) – the cancellation of flights from India has been delayed.

“I know very well the Indian health control conditions reasonably. It is very risky. So when it started in India, it was clear that it would spread. And it was necessary, as I said about three weeks ago, to close flights from India.”

The pulmonologist believes that comprehensive testing, however, will be important to measure the effect, even if the variable spreads.

“The Ministry of Health sent tests, reaching a large quantity, that could test half of the population of São Luis and the surrounding areas. This may be able to determine the scale of the problem from an epidemiological point of view and the impact, but it will not be able to control the transmission.”

The third wave

For the FiCruz researcher, a potential third wave is imminent. “Depending on the transmission rate of a variable, without a doubt, it could cause a very dangerous situation in Brazil.”

She adds through her analysis that a slow vaccination rate may harm the population further, especially young people who will be without any immunity in this potential recurrence. “It is a time that undoubtedly worries us all.”

Brazil ranks 63rd in the global ranking of vaccine doses for Covid-19, compared to every 100 inhabitants. The country, which began vaccination four months ago, was already 56th in this ranking.

Among the countries that make up the G20, which is a group of the 20 largest economies in the world, the country is ranked 10th. According to data updated by CNN, Brazil is shown at 29.36 doses per 100 inhabitants.

Vaccines against Covid-19 guarantee protection because they prevent disease, especially in severe forms, which reduces the chances of death and hospitalization.

Although it does not prevent infection or transmission of the virus, vaccination is essential, as it stimulates the body’s defense system to produce immunity against the coronavirus through the action of specific antibodies, according to the Brazilian Vaccination Association (SBIm).