Brazil reports 570 cases of infection with Delta variant

Brazil on Tuesday (Aug. 10) reported 570 people infected with the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). According to the Health Ministry, the strain caused the deaths of at least 36 people in eight of the 27 Brazilian states. Figures are updated daily by state health secretariats.

Rio de Janeiro has the highest number of confirmed cases of infection with the variant—206. Next come São Paulo, with 96, the Federal District (75), Rio Grande do Sul (64), Paraná (54), Santa Catarina (24), and Goiás (10).

In Maranhão, seven cases were identified. Six were crew members on a Hong Kong Shandong da Zhi ship, where the first cases of the Delta variant were identified in Brazilian territory back in May this year.

In a note confirming the number of cases and deaths, the Health Ministry underscores how important it is for the population to vaccinate against COVID-19 “to reduce the pandemic character” of the disease. The text also says the ministry has reiterated the recommendation to states and municipalities “regarding genetic sequencing, prompt notification, tracking, and isolation of cases and contacts, in addition to other preventive measures.”