Santa Catarina, a state in southern Brazil, has confirmed 1,822 cases of COVID-19 in 2025, according to data from the Strategic Information Center for SUS (CIEGES/SC) management. As of February 19, 2025, 101 individuals are hospitalized in the state, including 28 in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). From January to February 19, the state has recorded 10 deaths from the disease.

The municipalities with the highest number of confirmed cases are Joinville with 210 cases, Blumenau with 184, and Chapecó with 146. The Santa Catarina Epidemiological Surveillance Board (Dive/SC) stated that the current number of cases is not alarming, as “this year’s data are smaller compared to the same period last year.”

In 2024, from January to February 19, there were 10,536 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 383 hospitalizations, and 92 people in ICUs. At that time, the state had 43 deaths, four times more than in 2025 so far.

This year, Carnival is scheduled to take place between March 1 and 5, but celebrations have already begun in some cities. For example, Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina, kicked off its festivities with the Traditional Berbigão do Boca on Friday, February 21. As of now, Florianópolis has 35 confirmed cases.

Historical data suggests that if the disease follows the same pattern as last year, the number of COVID-19 cases may increase after Carnival.

In 2024, the official Carnival dates were from February 9 to 13. On February 9, there were 247 confirmed cases in the state. By February 13, the number had risen to 353. The cases continued to surge, reaching a peak on February 26 with 850 confirmed cases. In the three days leading up to this peak, the state recorded 794, 707, and 686 cases, respectively. After the peak, the number of cases began to decline slowly, but on March 10, there were still 496 cases.

Vaccination Coverage in Santa Catarina

Monovalent vaccination coverage in Santa Catarina is 80% for two doses, 44.5% for three doses, and 14.9% for four doses, according to data from the Ministry of Health. The monovalent vaccine covers children between 6 months and 4 years, 11 months and 29 days of age, children between 5 and 11 years old, and adolescents and adults from 12 to 59 years old. Bivalent vaccination coverage, applied to priority groups that have already received at least two previous monovalent doses, is 14.19% in the state.

Recommendations from Dive

The recommendation from Dive to Santa Catarina, if the cases start to increase, is to avoid leaving home. However, for fans of the revelry, this will be difficult in the coming days. Therefore, the ideal is to pay attention to the symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, and pain in the muscle or head joints.

If these symptoms appear, it is essential to avoid agglomerations and “seek health care closest to the residence for proper treatment, especially those with risk factors for aggravation and death (elderly, children, chronic sick, etc.).”

General Recommendations

• Annual vaccination against influenza and COVID-19;
• Wash your hands frequently;
• Use a mask;
• Avoid closed environments and crowds of people;
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Maintain surfaces and objects that come in frequent contact with your hands, such as tables, keyboards, and doorknobs, clean with alcohol;
• Do not share personal objects such as glasses and cutlery.

The transmission of respiratory diseases occurs when an infected person eliminates the virus in the form of aerosols, droplets, coughing, sneezing, speaking, or even touching the mouth, nose, and soon after some object.

Additional Insights and Practical Applications

As Carnival approaches, public health officials in Santa Catarina are urging residents to remain vigilant. The festive atmosphere, characterized by large gatherings and close contact, poses a significant risk for the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. In the United States, similar precautions were taken during the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, where health authorities advised attendees to wear masks and practice social distancing.

In response to the potential surge in COVID-19 cases, health officials in Santa Catarina are ramping up testing and vaccination efforts. Mobile testing units have been deployed in high-risk areas, and vaccination clinics are offering extended hours to accommodate the increased demand. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the festive season on public health.

To further illustrate the importance of these measures, consider the experience of Brazil during the 2024 Carnival. Despite initial optimism, the festivities led to a significant spike in COVID-19 cases, highlighting the need for stringent public health measures. In contrast, cities that implemented strict guidelines and encouraged vaccination saw a more controlled spread of the virus.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued similar guidelines for large gatherings. The CDC recommends that individuals who are not fully vaccinated or at high risk for severe illness should avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Additionally, the CDC advises wearing masks in public settings and maintaining social distancing.

As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, the experience of Santa Catarina serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive public health measures. By following the recommendations of health officials and taking personal precautions, residents can help mitigate the spread of the virus and ensure a safer Carnival season.

Read Also

• CDC Guidelines for Preventing COVID-19
• World Health Organization Q&A on Coronaviruses
• CDC Guidelines for Preventing Influenza