Risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in Jamaica: a cross-sectional study of national surveillance data / Factores de riesgo asociados a la COVID-19 grave en Jamaica: estudio transversal de datos nacionales de vigilancia / Fatores de risco associados a desfechos graves da COVID-19 na Jamaica: estudo transversal de dados de vigilância nacional

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To describe the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 cases in Jamaica and to explore the risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 from 9 March to 31 December 2020. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis of national surveillance data was conducted using confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jamaica. Definitions of a confirmed case, disease severity, and death were based on World Health Organization guidelines. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to determine association with outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of severe COVID-19. Results. This analysis included 12 169 cases of COVID-19 (median age, 36 years; 6 744 females [ 55.4%]) of which 512 cases (4.2%) presented with severe disease, and of those, 318 patients (62.1%) died (median age at death, 71.5 years). Severe disease was associated with being male (OR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7) and 40 years or older (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 5.1-8.2). COVID-19 death was also associated with being male (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), age 40 years or older (OR, 17.9; 95% CI, 11.6-27.7), and in the Western versus South East Health Region (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3). Conclusions. The findings of this cross-sectional analysis indicate that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica were more likely to be female and younger individuals, whereas COVID-19 deaths occurred more frequently in males and older individuals. There is increased risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes beginning at age 40, with males disproportionately affected. COVID-19 death also varied by geographic region. This evidence could be useful to other countries with similar settings and to policymakers charged with managing outbreaks and health.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Describir las características y los resultados de los casos de COVID-19 en Jamaica y explorar los factores de riesgo asociados a la COVID-19 grave desde el 9 de marzo hasta el 31 de diciembre del 2020. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis transversal de datos nacionales de vigilancia a partir de los casos confirma- dos de COVID-19 en Jamaica. Las definiciones de caso confirmado, gravedad de la enfermedad y muerte se basaron en las directrices de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Para determinar la asociación con los criterios de valoración se utilizó la prueba de χ2 y la prueba exacta de Fisher. Se usaron modelos de regresión logística para determinar los factores predictivos de la COVID-19 grave. Resultados. Se incluyeron en el análisis 12 169 casos de COVID-19 (mediana de edad, 36 años; 6 744 mujeres [55,4%]), de los que 512 (4,2%) fueron de enfermedad grave. De estos pacientes, 318 (62,1%) fall- ecieron (mediana de edad al morir, 71,5 años). Se observó una asociación de la enfermedad grave con el sexo masculino (OR de 1,4; IC del 95 %, 1,2-1,7) y con la edad igual o superior a 40 años (OR de 6,5; IC del 95 %, 5,1-8,2). La muerte por COVID-19 también mostró una asociación con el sexo masculino (OR de 1,4; IC del 95%, 1,1-1,7), con la edad igual o superior a 40 años (OR de 17,9; IC del 95%, 11,6-27,7) y con la Región de Atención de Salud Occidental en comparación con la Sudoriental (OR de 1,7; IC del 95%, 1,2-2,3). Conclusiones. Los resultados de este análisis transversal indican que los casos confirmados de COVID-19 en Jamaica correspondieron una mayor probabilidad a mujeres y personas más jóvenes, mientras que las muertes por COVID-19 fueron más frecuentes en varones y personas de mayor edad. Hay un mayor riesgo de evolución desfavorable de la COVID-19 a partir de los 40 años, que afecta de manera desproporcionada a los varones. Las muertes por COVID-19 también variaron según la región geográfica. Esta evidencia podría ser de utilidad para otros países con entornos similares y para los responsables de la formulación de políticas en materia de gestión de brotes y salud.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Descrever as características e os desfechos dos casos de COVID-19 na Jamaica e explorar os fatores de risco associados à COVID-19 grave de 9 de março a 31 de dezembro de 2020. Métodos. Análise transversal de dados de vigilância nacional usando casos confirmados de COVID-19 na Jamaica. As definições de caso confirmado, gravidade da doença e morte foram baseadas nas recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Foram usados testes de qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher para determinar a associação com os desfechos. Modelos de regressão logística foram usados para deter- minar os preditores de COVID-19 grave. Resultados. Esta análise incluiu 12.169 casos de COVID-19 (idade mediana: 36 anos; 6 744 do sexo feminino [55,4%]), dos quais 512 casos (4,2%) apresentaram doença grave; desses, 318 pacientes (62,1%) morreram (idade mediana ao morrer: 71,5 anos). A doença grave estava associada a ser do sexo masculino (razão de chances [RC]: 1,4; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%]: 1,2–1,7) e ter 40 anos ou mais de idade (RC: 6,5; IC 95%: 5,1–8,2). A morte por COVID-19 também estava associada a ser sexo masculino (RC: 1,4; IC 95%: 1,1–1,7), ter 40 anos ou mais (RC: 17,9; IC 95%: 11,6–27,7) e estar na Região Sanitária Oeste em comparação com a Região Sanitária Sudeste (RC: 1,7; IC 95%: 1,2–2,3). Conclusões. Os achados desta análise transversal indicam que a probabilidade de casos confirmados de COVID-19 na Jamaica era maior em indivíduos do sexo feminino e mais jovens, ao passo que as mortes por COVID-19 ocorreram com mais frequência em indivíduos do sexo masculino e mais velhos. Há um risco maior de resultados desfavoráveis em relação à COVID-19 a partir dos 40 anos, e indivíduos do sexo masculino são desproporcionalmente mais afetados. A morte por COVID-19 também variou de acordo com a região geográ- fica. Essas evidências podem ser úteis para outros países com cenários semelhantes e para os formuladores de políticas encarregados de manejar surtos e gerenciar a saúde.

Odorant Receptor BdorOR49b Mediates Oviposition and Attraction Behavior of Bactrocera dorsalis to Benzothiazole.

The ability to recognize a host plant is crucial for insects to meet their nutritional needs and locate suitable sites for laying eggs. Bactrocera dorsalis is a highly destructive pest in fruit crops. Benzothiazole has been found to induce oviposition behavior in the gravid B. dorsalis. However, the ecological roles and the olfactory receptor responsible for benzothiazole are not yet fully understood. In this study, we found that adults were attracted to benzothiazole, which was an effective oviposition stimulant. In vitro experiments showed that BdorOR49b was narrowly tuned to benzothiazole. The electroantennogram results showed that knocking out BdorOR49b significantly reduced the antennal electrophysiological response to benzothiazole. Compared with wild-type flies, the attractiveness of benzothiazole to BdorOR49b knockout adult was significantly attenuated, and mutant females exhibited a severe decrease in oviposition behavior. Altogether, our work provides valuable insights into chemical communications and potential strategies for the control of this pest.

Gene expression plasticity facilitates acclimatization of a long-lived Caribbean coral across divergent reef environments.

Local adaptation can increase fitness under stable environmental conditions. However, in rapidly changing environments, compensatory mechanisms enabled through plasticity may better promote fitness. Climate change is causing devastating impacts on coral reefs globally and understanding the potential for adaptive and plastic responses is critical for reef management. We conducted a four-year, three-way reciprocal transplant of the Caribbean coral Siderastrea siderea across forereef, backreef, and nearshore populations in Belize to investigate the potential for environmental specialization versus plasticity in this species. Corals maintained high survival within forereef and backreef environments, but transplantation to nearshore environments resulted in high mortality, suggesting that nearshore environments present strong environmental selection. Only forereef-sourced corals demonstrated evidence of environmental specialization, exhibiting the highest growth in the forereef. Gene expression profiling 3.5 years post-transplantation revealed that transplanted coral hosts exhibited profiles more similar to other corals in the same reef environment, regardless of their source location, suggesting that transcriptome plasticity facilitates acclimatization to environmental change in S. siderea. In contrast, algal symbiont (Cladocopium goreaui) gene expression showcased functional variation between source locations that was maintained post-transplantation. Our findings suggest limited acclimatory capacity of some S. siderea populations under strong environmental selection and highlight the potential limits of coral physiological plasticity in reef restoration.

Two heat shock cognate 70 genes involved in spermatogenesis regulate the male fertility of Zeugodacus cucurbitae, as potential targets for pest control.

The melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an agricultural quarantine pest threatening fruit and vegetable production. Heat shock cognate 70 (Hsc70), which is a homolog of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), was first discovered in mice testes and plays an important role in spermatogenesis. In this study, we identified and cloned five Hsc70 genes from melon fly, namely ZcHsc70_1/2/3/4/5. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these proteins are closely related to Hsc70s from other Diptera insects. Spatiotemporal expression analysis showed that ZcHsc70_1 and ZcHsc70_2 are highly expressed in Z. cucurbitae testes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization further demonstrated that ZcHsc70_1 and ZcHsc70_2 are expressed in the transformation and maturation regions of testes, respectively. Moreover, RNA interference-based suppression of ZcHsc70_1 or ZcHsc70_2 resulted in a significant decrease of 74.61% and 63.28% in egg hatchability, respectively. Suppression of ZcHsc70_1 expression delayed the transformation of sperm cells to mature sperms. Meanwhile, suppression of ZcHsc70_2 expression decreased both sperm cells and mature sperms by inhibiting the meiosis of spermatocytes. Our findings show that ZcHsc70_1/2 regulates spermatogenesis and further affects the male fertility in the melon fly, showing potential as targets for pest control in sterile insect technique by genetic manipulation of males.

The Caribbean and Mesoamerica Biogeochemical Isotope Overview (CAMBIO).

The Caribbean & Mesoamerica Biogeochemical Isotope Overview (CAMBIO) is an archaeological data community designed to integrate published biogeochemical data from the Caribbean, Mesoamerica, and southern Central America to address questions about dynamic interactions among humans, animals, and the environment in the region over the past 10,000 years. Here we present the CAMBIO human dataset, which consists of more than 16,000 isotopic measurements from human skeletal tissue samples (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, 206/204Pb, 207/204Pb, 208/204Pb, 207/206Pb) from 290 archaeological sites dating between 7000 BC to modern times. The open-access dataset also includes detailed chronological, contextual, and laboratory/sample preparation information for each measurement. The collated data are deposited on the open-access CAMBIO data community via the Pandora Initiative data platform ( https://pandoradata.earth/organization/cambio ).

Human resources for health and maternal mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last three decades: a systemic-perspective reflections.

BACKGROUND: The role of human resources for health in the operation of health systems is crucial. However, training and incorporating them into institutions is a complex process due to the continuous misalignment between the supply and demand of health personnel. Taking the case of the Latin American and Caribbean region countries, this comment discusses the relationship between the availability of human resources for health and the maternal mortality ratio for the period 1990-2021. It proposes the need to resume planning exercises from a systemic perspective that involves all areas of government and the private sector linked to the training and employment of health workers. MAIN TEXT: We used secondary data from a global source to show patterns in the relationship between these two aspects and identify gaps in the Latin American and Caribbean regions. The results show enormous heterogeneity in the response of regional health systems to the challenge of maternal mortality in the region. Although most countries articulated specific programs to achieve the reduction committed by all countries through the Millennium Development Goals, not all had the same capacity to reduce it, and practically none met the target. In addition, in the English Caribbean countries, we found significant increases in the number of health personnel that do not explain the increases in the maternal mortality rate during the period. CONCLUSIONS: The great lesson from the data shown is that some countries could articulate responses to the problem using available resources through effective strategies, considering the specific needs of their populations. Although variations in maternal mortality rate cannot be explained solely through the provision of health personnel, it is important to consider that it is critical to find new modalities on how human resources for health could integrate and create synergies with other resources to increase systems capacity to deliver care according to conditions in each country.

Dual roles of dopaminergic pathways in olfactory learning and memory in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis.

Dopamine (DA) is a key regulator of associative learning and memory in both vertebrates and invertebrates, and it is widely believed that DA plays a key role in aversive conditioning in invertebrates. However, the idea that DA is involved only in aversive conditioning has been challenged in recent studies on the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), ants and crabs, suggesting diverse functions of DA modulation on associative plasticity. Here, we present the results of DA modulation in aversive olfactory conditioning with DEET punishment and appetitive olfactory conditioning with sucrose reward in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. Injection of DA receptor antagonist fluphenazine or chlorpromazine into these flies led to impaired aversive learning, but had no effect on the appetitive learning. DA receptor antagonists impaired both aversive and appetitive long-term memory retention. Interestingly, the impairment on appetitive memory was rescued not only by DA but also by octopamine (OA). Blocking the OA receptors also impaired the appetitive memory retention, but this impairment could only be rescued by OA, not by DA. Thus, we conclude that in B. dorsalis, OA and DA pathways mediate independently the appetitive and aversive learning, respectively. These two pathways, however, are organized in series in mediating appetitive memory retrieval with DA pathway being at upstream. Thus, OA and DA play dual roles in associative learning and memory retrieval, but their pathways are organized differently in these two cognitive processes - parallel organization for learning acquisition and serial organization for memory retrieval.

Heterocheilus floridensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Heterocheilidae) from the West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus (Trichechidae, Sirenia) in Florida, USA.

Morphological data are used to describe a new nematode species, Heterocheilus floridensis sp. n. (Heterocheilidae) from the digestive tract of the Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris (Harlan) (Trichechidae, Sirenia) from Florida, USA. Examination by light and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the new species differs from the related Heterocheilus tunicatus Diesing, 1839 mainly by having dentigerous ridges on the inner surface of the lips, a median unpaired papilla located anterior to the cloaca, and a considerably larger body size. Sequence data for subunits I and II of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene, 18S small subunit and 28S ribosomal RNA genes were provided for molecular characterisation of the new species. However, the current unavailability of homologous sequence data for congeneric specimens precluded a molecular assessment of the morphological species hypothesis, and ascaridoid phylogenetic hypotheses could not be advanced. Specimens of Heterocheilus sp. collected from the Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus Linnaeus in Puerto Rico, on loan from the US National Museum of Natural History, were morphologically consistent with the new species, so apparently all congeneric nematodes reported from both subspecies of the West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus Linnaeus and previously identified as H. tunicatus belong rather to H. floridensis sp. n. Heterocheilus hagenbecki (Khalil et Vogelsang, 1932) Sprent 1980 is here considered to be a species inquirenda. A key to valid species of Heterocheilus Diesing, 1839 is provided.

Prevalence and incidence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes of Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence and incidence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes of Latin America and the Caribbean. METHODS: We searched Web of Science (WoS)/Core Collection, WoS/MEDLINE, WoS/Scielo, Scopus, PubMed/Medline and Embase databases until January 16, 2023. We meta-analyzed prevalences according to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESULTS: Forty-three prevalence studies (47 585 participants) and one incidence study (436 participants) were included. The overall prevalence of retinopathy in patients with T1DM was 40.6% (95% CI: 34.7 to 46.6; I2: 92.1%) and in T2DM was 37.3% (95% CI: 31.0 to 43.8; I2: 97.7), but the evidence is very uncertain (very low certainty of evidence). In meta-regression, we found that age (T1DM) and time in diabetes (T2DM) were factors associated with the prevalence. On the other hand, one study found a cumulative incidence of diabetic retinopathy of 39.6% at 9 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Two out of five patients with T1DM or T2DM may present diabetic retinopathy in Latin America and the Caribbean, but the evidence is very uncertain. This is a major public health problem, and policies and strategies for early detection and opportunely treatment should be proposed.

Anna Karenina as a promoter of microbial diversity in the cosmopolitan agricultural pest Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera, Tephritidae).

Gut microbial communities are critical in determining the evolutive success of fruit fly phytophagous pests (Diptera, Tephritidae), facilitating their adaptation to suboptimal environmental conditions and to plant allelochemical defences. An important source of variation for the microbial diversity of fruit flies is represented by the crop on which larvae are feeding. However, a "crop effect" is not always the main driver of microbial patterns, and it is often observed in combination with other and less obvious processes. In this work, we aim at verifying if environmental stress and, by extension, changing environmental conditions, can promote microbial diversity in Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), a cosmopolitan pest of cucurbit crops. With this objective, 16S rRNA metabarcoding was used to test differences in the microbial profiles of wild fly populations in a large experimental setup in Eastern Central Tanzania. The analysis of 2,973 unique ASV, which were assigned to 22 bacterial phyla, 221 families and 590 putative genera, show that microbial α diversity (as estimated by Abundance Coverage Estimator, Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity, Shannon-Weiner and the Inverse Simpson indexes) as well as ß microbial diversity (as estimated by Compositional Data analysis of ASVs and of aggregated genera) significantly change as the species gets closer to its altitudinal limits, in farms where pesticides and agrochemicals are used. Most importantly, the multivariate dispersion of microbial patterns is significantly higher in these stressful environmental conditions thus indicating that Anna Karenina effects contribute to the microbial diversity of Z. cucurbitae. The crop effect was comparably weaker and detected as non-consistent changes across the experimental sites. We speculate that the impressive adaptive potential of polyphagous fruit flies is, at least in part, related to the Anna Karenina principle, which promotes stochastic changes in the microbial diversity of fly populations exposed to suboptimal environmental conditions.

Una revisión sobre investigaciones en salud y seguridad de familias mineras del San Jorge, Colombia / A review on research on health and safety of mining families in San Jorge, Colombia

Introducción: Este artículo tuvo como objetivo analizar los aportes de investigaciones relacionadas con variables relevantes sobre estado actual de seguridad y salud de familias del San Jorge por mercurio provenientes de actividades mineras, permitiendo vislumbrar posibles consecuencias futuras a la salud de las comunidades de Ayapel – Córdoba en el Caribe colombiano a partir de los significados y prácticas desarrolladas y sistematizadas en las diferentes fuentes de información.Metodología: La revisión estuvo comprendida entre 2010- 2022 mediante una revisión sistemática de literatura y metaanálisis según PRISMA utilizando diferentes descriptores en las bases de datos Scopus, Scielo y PUBMED, así como en la normativa colombiana.Resultados: Se obtuvieron las categorías socioambiental, socioeconómica y de salud y enfermedad en donde se evidencia que las publicaciones primarias son evidentemente analíticas y sociodemográficas, las cuales develan diferentes problemas de tipo socioambiental y sintomatológicas asociadas a la toxicidad y genotoxicidad del mercurio proveniente principalmente de la minería artesanal e ilegal.Conclusiones: Los estudios realizados se concentran principalmente en el departamento de Córdoba, mostrando la necesidad de realizar investigaciones en otras zonas del país enfocadas desde la salud pública. Lo anterior implica incidir sobre la problemática planteada y que se suma debidamente abordada y teorizada desde las otras disciplinas científicas y desde la Salud pública auspiciando nuevas líneas investigativas interdisciplinares con el objetivo de prevenir y brindar conocimiento oportuno sobre las afectaciones en la salud de las poblaciones que realizan este tipo de prácticas.(AU)

Introduction: This article aimed to analyze the contributions of research related to relevant variables on the current state of safety and health of families of San Jorge by mercury from mining activities, allowing to glimpse possible future consequences to the health of the communities of Ayapel - Córdoba in the Colombian Caribbean from the meanings and practices developed and systematized in the different sources of information. Methodology: The review was carried out from 2010 to 2022 and was conducted through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis following PRISMA using different descriptors in the Scopus, Scielo and PUBMED databases, as well as in the Colombian regulations. Results: socio-environmental, socioeconomic and health and disease categories were obtained where it revealed that primary publications were evidently analytical and sociodemographic, which reveal different socio-environmental and symptomatological problems associated with the toxicity and genotoxicity of mercury coming mainly from artisanal and illegal mining. Conclusions: Conclusions: The studies conducted primarily focus on the department of Córdoba, highlighting the need for research in other regions of the country, with a focus on public health. This implies addressing the raised issue and properly addressing it, theorizing it from other scientific disciplines and from the perspective of public health, promoting new interdisciplinary research lines with the aim of preventing and providing timely knowledge about the health impacts on populations engaged in such practices.(AU)

O uso do laser de alta e baixa intensidade para o tratamento de hipersensibilidade dentinária: uma revisão integrativa

Objetivo: Determinar as evidências científicas sobre a influência do uso de lasers de baixa e alta intensidade no tratamento da hipersensibilidade da dentina. Revisão de literatura: Foram realizadas buscas na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), incluindo as bases de dados: Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS); Bibliografia Brasileira de Odontologia (BBO); e National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE). A maioria dos estudos destacam a eficácia dos lasers na redução da HD, com o laser Nd:YAG mostrando-se eficaz na obliteração dos túbulos dentinários e proporcionando alívio a longo prazo. Apesar dos benefícios, alguns estudos alertam para possíveis danos à polpa dentária, especialmente com lasers de alta potência. Considerações finais: Embora os lasers tenham se mostrado eficazes na redução da HD, a escolha do laser deve ser personalizada para cada paciente, destacando a necessidade de aprimorar os protocolos clínicos e adquirir experiência relevante por parte dos profissionais especialistas.

Objective: To determine the scientific evidence on the influence of the use of low and high intensity lasers in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. Literature review: Searches were carried out in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), including the databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS); Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry (BBO); and National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE). Most studies highlight the effectiveness of lasers in reducing HD, with the Nd:YAG laser proving effective in obliterating dentinal tubules and providing long-term relief. Despite the benefits, some studies warn of possible damage to the dental pulp, especially with high-power lasers. Final considerations: Although lasers have been shown to be effective in reducing HD, the choice of laser must be personalized for each patient, highlighting the need to improve clinical protocols and acquire relevant experience on the part of specialist professionals.

Regional Update, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses. Epidemiological Week 11 (22 March 2024)

[WEEKLY SUMMARY]. Regional Situation: Over the past four Epidemiological Weeks (EWs), the Americas region has experienced intermediate levels of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) activity, showing a decreasing trend. Concurrently, there has been a decline in Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) activity, currently at low levels. Both ILI and SARI activities have been associated with positive cases of influenza and SARS-CoV-2. ILI activity has been notably influenced by moderate activity in North America and the Caribbean, while SARI activity has been particularly impacted by trends in North America. Regarding respiratory virus circulation, regional SARS-CoV-2 activity has decreased after an observed increase in previous weeks, although it remains moderate compared to previous epidemic waves. Additionally, an epidemic activity of influenza has been observed for this time of year, alongside a declining activity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is currently at low levels. North America: Despite a slight decline in previous EWs, ILI cases have maintained medium-high levels, primarily attributed to influenza. SARI cases and respiratory virus-related hospitalizations have continued to decline. Influenza activity has remained at epidemic levels, showing a slight decrease over the past four EWs. Predominant influenza viruses during this period have been type A , with A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) circulating concurrently, along with lesser circulation of influenza B/Victoria. RSV activity has declined over the past four EWs, maintaining moderate levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity has decreased over the same period to low levels compared to previous waves. By countries: In Canada, SARS-CoV-2 activity has significantly decreased over the past four EWs to medium-low levels. Influenza activity has remained epidemic, gradually declining, while RSV activity has also decreased to moderate levels. In Mexico, influenza circulation has fluctuated at epidemic levels over the past four EWs, with SARS-CoV-2 circulation remaining at intermediate levels compared to previous waves. In the United States, influenza activity has consistently remained above the epidemic threshold, while RSV and SARSCoV- 2 activities have decreased to low levels. ILI cases have remained stable at medium levels. Hospitalization rates for influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 have shown a downward trend over the past four EWs after reaching similar elevated levels as the previous season. Caribbean: Following a previous increase, ILI cases have markedly decreased over the past four weeks, primarily attributed to influenza. SARI cases have continued to decline, with most positive cases associated with influenza. Influenza activity has decreased over the past four EWs, reaching low circulation levels. Predominant viruses during this period have been influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, with concurrent circulation of A(H3N2) and B/Victoria to a lesser extent. RSV activity has remained low, and SARS-CoV-2 activity has also declined to low levels. By countries: Increased influenza activity has been observed in Suriname and the Cayman Islands. Elevated SARS-CoV-2 activity has been observed in Dominica, Saint Lucia, Guyana, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Central America: ILI activity has remained stable at low levels, primarily attributed to influenza. SARI cases have shown a slight increase but remain at low levels, with most positive cases attributed to influenza. Influenza activity has increased to intermediate levels over the last four EWs. During this period, predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H1N1)pdm09, with concurrent circulation of A(H3N2) and to a lesser extent, B/Victoria. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity has also remained at low levels. By countries: In El Salvador, SARS-CoV-2 activity has decreased over the past four EWs to low levels, while SARI activity has remained at epidemic levels. In Guatemala, an increase in ILI cases associated with influenza has been observed, reaching moderate levels, while SARI cases have remained at epidemic levels, primarily associated with influenza. In Honduras, there has been a new increase in SARI cases, reaching epidemic levels, associated with a rise in positive cases for influenza. In Nicaragua, activity for both RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 has decreased to low levels. In Panama, influenza activity has shown a pronounced increase to moderate levels over the past four EWs, while ILI and SARI cases have remained low. have continued to decline to low levels, with the majority of positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2 and, to a lesser extent, influenza. Influenza activity has remained at low levels over the last four EWs. During this period, predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H1N1)pdm09, with concurrent circulation of A(H3N2) and, to a lesser extent, B/Victoria. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity has remained on the decline to moderate levels. By countries: In Bolivia, an increase in ILI and SARI cases has been observed, reaching levels around the epidemic threshold associated with positive cases for influenza. Influenza has shown a marked increase in activity, surpassing the elevated threshold. In Colombia, SARS-CoV-2 activity has decreased over the last four EWs to medium-low levels; SARI activity has been around the epidemic threshold during these last four EWs, with positive cases attributable to influenza and, to a lesser extent, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. In Ecuador, SARS-CoV-2 activity has increased to medium-high levels, influenza activity has remained below the epidemic threshold, and RSV activity has remained at moderate levels over the last four EWs. SARI activity has fluctuated around the moderate threshold, with positive SARI cases attributable to influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and, to a lesser extent, RSV. In Peru, after a marked increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity in previous weeks, a decrease has been observed in the last four EWs to low levels. In Venezuela, fluctuating influenza activity has been observed below the epidemic threshold over the last four EWs. Brazil and Southern Cone: SARI and ILI activity have remained at low levels over the last four EWs, with the majority of positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2. Influenza activity has shown an increase over the last four EWs, reaching levels around the epidemic threshold in some countries. During this period, the predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09 followed by B/Victoria. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity has remained on the decline with elevated levels. By countries: In Argentina, ILI and SARI levels have remained below the epidemic threshold. The percentage of SARS-CoV-2 positivity, although remaining at moderate levels, has shown a marked decrease over the last four EWs, and influenza activity is below the epidemic threshold. In Brazil, SARS-CoV-2 activity has remained at elevated levels, albeit decreasing, and influenza activity has shown an increase during the last four EWs, surpassing the epidemic threshold. In Chile, an increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity has been observed over the last four EWs at moderate levels, along with an increase in influenza activity, which has surpassed the epidemic threshold. ILI cases have shown a pronounced increase with epidemic levels; SARI cases have slightly surpassed the epidemic threshold, with the majority of positive cases for both ILI and SARI attributable to SARS-CoV-2 and to a lesser extent, influenza. In Paraguay, the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has shown a decrease over the last four EWs, reaching low levels, while influenza and RSV activity have remained low. ILI and SARI activity have remained below the epidemic threshold. In Uruguay, SARI activity has continued below the epidemic threshold, albeit with a slight increase in the last four weeks, with the majority of the few positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2.

[RESUMEN SEMANAL]. Situación regional: Durante las últimas cuatro semanas epidemiológicas (SE) se han observado niveles intermedios en la actividad de la Enfermedad Tipo Influenza (ETI) en la región de las Américas, con una tendencia decreciente. A su vez se ha observado una disminución en la actividad de Infección Respiratoria Aguda Grave (IRAG), actualmente en niveles bajos. En ambos casos la actividad observada se ha asociado a casos positivos de influenza y SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de ETI se ha relacionado principalmente con la actividad moderada observada en Norteamérica y Caribe, mientras que la actividad de IRAG se ha visto especialmente influenciada por la actividad detectada en Norteamérica. En cuanto a la circulación de virus respiratorios, a nivel regional tras un ascenso observado en semanas previas, la actividad de SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido, aunque que se mantiene moderada en comparación con olas epidémicas previas. Asimismo, se ha observado una actividad epidémica de influenza para esta época del año, y una actividad en descenso del Virus Respiratorio Sincitial (VRS) que se encuentra actualmente en niveles bajos. América del Norte: Los casos de ETI, tras un ligero descenso en SE previas, se han mantenido en niveles medio-altos con la mayoría de los casos atribuibles a influenza. Los casos de IRAG y hospitalizaciones asociadas a virus respiratorios se han mantenido un descenso. La actividad de influenza se ha mantenido en niveles epidémicos de circulación mostrando un ligero descenso durante las cuatro últimas SE. Durante este periodo, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido del tipo A, circulando de forma concurrente influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 e influenza A(H3N2), y con circulación en menor medida de influenza B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS ha mostrado un descenso en las últimas cuatro SE, manteniéndose en niveles moderados. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha presentado un decremento en las últimas cuatro SE hasta niveles bajos en comparación con ola previas. Por países: En Canadá, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha presentado un marcado descenso en las últimas cuatro SE hasta niveles mediobajos. La actividad de influenza se ha mantenido en niveles epidémicos con un descenso paulatino y la actividad del VRS ha mantenido un descenso encontrándose en niveles medios. En México, la circulación de influenza se ha mantenido fluctuante en niveles epidémicos en las cuatro últimas SE, y la circulación del SARS-CoV-2 se ha mantenido en niveles intermedios en comparación con olas previas. En Estados Unidos, la actividad de influenza se ha mantenido constante por encima del umbral epidémico y la actividad del VRS y del SARS-CoV-2 han mantenido un descenso hasta niveles bajos. Los casos de ETI se han mantenido estables en niveles medios. Las tasas de hospitalización por influenza, VRS y SARS-CoV-2 tras alcanzar niveles elevados similares a la temporada previa han presentado una tendencia a la baja en las cuatro últimas SE. Caribe: Tras el incremento observado en SE previas, los casos de ETI han mostrado un marcado descenso en las cuatro últimas semanas hasta niveles bajos. Los casos de IRAG han permanecido en descenso, siendo la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles a influenza. La actividad de influenza ha presentado un descenso en las últimas cuatro SE, alcanzando niveles bajos de circulación. Durante las cuatro últimas SE, los virus predominantes han sido de tipo A(H1N1)pdm09, y se ha observado circulación concurrente en menor medida de influenza tipo A(H3N2) y B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha permanecido en descenso hasta niveles bajos. Por países: Se ha observado una actividad elevada de influenza en Surinam y las Islas Caimán. Se ha observado una actividad elevada de SARS-CoV-2 en Dominica, Santa Lucia, Guyana y San Vicente y las Granadinas. América Central: La actividad de ETI se ha mantenido estable en niveles bajos con la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles a influenza. Los casos de IRAG han presentado un ligero incremento, aunque se mantiene en niveles bajos, siendo la mayor proporción de casos positivos atribuibles a influenza. La actividad de influenza ha presentado un incremento situándose en niveles intermedios en las cuatro últimas SE. Durante este periodo, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido de tipo A(H1N1)pdm09 con circulación concurrente de A(H3N2) y en menor medida de B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La actividad de SARS-CoV-2 se ha permanecido en niveles bajos. Por países: En El Salvador, la actividad de SARS-CoV-2 has descendido durante las cuatro últimas SE hasta niveles bajos y la actividad de IRAG se encuentra en torno a niveles epidémicos. En Guatemala, se ha observado un incremento en los casos de ETI asociados a influenza, encontrándose en niveles de actividad moderados; en cuanto a los casos de IRAG se mantienen en niveles epidémicos, siendo la mayoría asociados a su vez a influenza. En Honduras, se ha observado de nuevo un incremento en los casos de IRAG que se encuentran en niveles epidémicos, asociado a un ascenso en los casos positivos a influenza. En Nicaragua, la actividad tanto del VRS, influenza y SARS-CoV-2 ha descendido hasta niveles bajos. En Panamá, la actividad de influenza ha mostrado un pronunciado incremento hasta niveles moderados en las cuatro últimas SE, los casos de ETI e IRAG se han mantenido bajos en las cuatro últimas SE. Andina: La actividad de ETI se ha mantenido estable en niveles bajos con la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles a influenza. Los casos de IRAG se han mantenido en descenso con niveles bajos siendo la mayor proporción de casos positivos atribuibles a SARS-CoV- 2 e influenza. La actividad de influenza ha permanecido en niveles bajos en las cuatro últimas SE. Durante este periodo, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido de tipo A(H1N1)pdm09 con circulación concurrente de A(H3N2) y en menor medida de B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La actividad de SARS-CoV-2 se ha mantenido en descenso con niveles medios. Por países: En Bolivia, se ha observado un incremento en los casos de ETI e IRAG asociado a casos positivos a influenza y con niveles en torno al umbral epidémico. La influenza ha mostrado un marcado incremento en la actividad, superando el umbral elevado. En Colombia, la actividad de SARS-CoV-2 ha presentado un descenso en las cuatro últimas SE situándose en niveles medio-bajos; la actividad de IRAG se ha mantenido en descenso en torno al umbral epidémico durante estas últimas cuatro SE, con los casos positivos atribuibles a influenza y en menor medida SARS-CoV-2 y VRS. En Ecuador, el SARS-CoV-2 ha presentado un incremento en la actividad situándose en niveles medio-altos, la actividad de influenza se ha mantenido por debajo del umbral epidémico y la actividad del VRS se ha mantenido en niveles medios en las cuatro últimas SE. La actividad de IRAG ha fluctuado en torno al umbral moderado, los casos IRAG positivos han sido atribuibles a influenza, SARS-CoV-2 y en menor medida a VRS. En Perú tras un marcado incremento en la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 en semanas previas, se ha mostrado un descenso en las cuatro últimas SE hasta niveles bajos. En Venezuela durante las cuatro últimas SE se ha observado una actividad fluctuante de influenza por debajo del umbral epidémico. Brasil y el Cono Sur: La actividad de IRAG y ETI ha permanecido y en niveles bajos en las últimas cuatro SE, con la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles a SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de influenza ha mostrado un incremento en las últimas cuatro SE con niveles en torno al umbral epidémico en algunos países. En este periodo, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido de tipo A(H3N2) y A(H1N1)pdm09 seguidos de B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 se ha mantenido en descenso con niveles elevados. Por países: En Argentina, los niveles de ETI e IRAG han permanecido por debajo del umbral epidémico. El porcentaje de positividad de SARS-CoV-2, aunque permanece con niveles moderados, ha mostrado un marcado descenso en las cuatro últimas SE y la actividad de influenza se encuentra por debajo del umbral epidémico. En Brasil, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 se ha mantenido en niveles elevados, aunque en descenso, y la actividad de influenza ha mostrado un ascenso durante la cuatro últimas SE superando el umbral epidémico. En Chile, se ha observado un incremento en la actividad del SARS.CoV-2 en las cuatro últimas SE con niveles moderados, y a su vez se ha observado un ascenso en la actividad de influenza que ha superado el umbral epidémico. Los casos de ETI han presentado un ascenso pronunciado con niveles epidémicos; los casos de IRAG han superado ligeramente el umbral epidémico, la mayoría de los casos positivos tanto de ETI como de IRAG son atribuibles a SARS-CoV-2 y en menor medida a influenza. En Paraguay, la circulación del SARS-CoV-2 ha mostrado un descenso en las cuatro últimas SE, encontrándose en niveles bajos y la actividad de influenza y VRS se han mantenido bajas. La actividad de IRAG y ETI se han mantenido por debajo del umbral epidémico. En Uruguay, la actividad de IRAG ha continuado con niveles por debajo del umbral epidémico, aunque con un ligero incremento en las cuatro últimas semanas siendo la mayoría de los escasos casos positivos atribuibles a SARS-CoV-2.

Regional Update, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses. Epidemiological Week 8 (1 March 2024)

[WEEKLY SUMMARY]. Regional Situation: Over the past four Epidemiological Weeks (EWs), there has been a decline in lnfluenza-Like lllness (ILI) activity in the Americas region, stabilizing at medium levels. Similarly, a decrease has been observed in the activity of Severe Acute Respiratory lnfection (SARI), currently at low leveis. ln both cases, the observed activity has been associated with positive cases of influenza and SARS-CoV-2. ILI activity has been mainly linked to moderate activity observed in North America, which showed a mild decrease in the past four weeks. Regarding the circulation of respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 activity has remained moderate at the regional level compared to previous epidemie waves. Influenza activity has decreased over the period; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, while remaining moderate, has also declined. North America: ILI cases have remained at medium-high levels, with most cases attributable to influenza, although showing a decline in this proportion. SARI cases have decreased, with most cases attributable to influenza and, to a lesser extent, SARS-CoV-2. Influenza activity has remained at epidemie levels after a slight decrease in recent EWs. During this period, the predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H 1 N 1)pdm09, with concurrent circulation of influenza A(H3N2) and, to a lesser extent, influenza B/Victoria. RSV activity has declined in the last four EWs, remaining at moderate levels. SARS-CoV-2 positivity has decreased in the last four EWs and remains below late 2023 levels. By countries: ln Canada, SARS-CoV-2 activity has markedly decreased in the last four EWs to medium leveis. Influenza activity remains at epidemie levels, and RSV activity has declined during this period. ln Mexico, influenza circulation has remained fluctuating at epidemie levels in the last four EWs, while an increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation has been observed. ln the United States, influenza activity has decreased in the past four EWS and remained above the epidemie threshold, RSV activity has decreased to moderate levels, and although SARS-CoV-2 has remained at high levels, it has shown a decreasing trend. Hospitalization rates for influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, after reaching similar high levels to the previous season, have shown a downward trend in the last four EWs. Caribbean: ILI cases have declined from high levels in preceding weeks to moderate levels in the most recent EW associated with decreases in positive influenza and SARS-Co-V-2 cases; SARI cases have remained on the decline. Influenza activity has increased in the last four EWs, reaching low circulation levels. During the last four EWs, the predominant viruses have been type A(H1 N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2) and, to a lesser extent, B/Victoria. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity has declined to moderate levels, continuing to show a decreasing trend. By countries: Elevated influenza activity has been observed in Suriname. Central America: ILI and SARI cases have decreased in the last four weeks, with the majority of positive cases attributable to SARSCoV- 2 and, to a lesser extent, influenza. Influenza activity has decreased in the last four EWs, with an increase noted in the most recent EW, however remaining at low levels. During this period, the predominant viruses have been type A(H1 N1)pdm09, followed by A(H3N2) and B/Victoria. RSV activity has decreased to low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity further declined and remained at low levels. By countries: ln EI Salvador, SARS-CoV-2 activity continued to decline over the past four EWs. ln Guatemala, ILI cases were sustained at high levels and SARI cases while declining to moderate levels showed increasing positivity for SARS-Co-V-2 and influenza. ln Honduras, both ILI and SARI cases increased slightly in the past four EWs, however both remain below epidemie levels. Influenza activity continued at epidemie leveis. ln Nicaragua, RSV activity has continued to decline; both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 levels have remained low. After reaching high levels in early January 2024 in Panama, SARS-CoV-2 activity has decreased. However, after fluctuating around the epidemie threshold in the last four EWs, influenza activity levels have increased to epidemie levels. ILI and SARI cases, have declined in the last four EWs. Andean: ILI activity has remained stable at iow levels, and SARI casesremaineda t high levels, with the highest proportion of positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2. Influenza activity has remained at low leveis in the last four EWs. During this period, the predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H1 N1)pdm09, with circulation of A(H3N2) and B/Victoria to a lesser extent. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity has declined over the past four EWs. By countries: ln Bolivia, influenza circulation has increased in recent EWs with influenza A(H3N2) dominating. SARI and ILI numbers have, however, remained low. ln Colombia, SARS-CoV-2 activity have declined after an initial increase in mid-January 2024. ln Ecuador, SARS-CoV-2 has shown an increase in activity in the past EW; influenza activity has continued to decline and has remained beneath epidemie thresholds for the past four EWs, and RSV activity has declined. SARI cases have also decreased. ln Peru, SARSCoV- 2 activity has steadily declined over the past four EWs. Influenza activity in Venezuela has increased over the past four EWs with A(H1N1)pdm09 dominating followed by influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B/Victoria. Brazil and the Southem Cone: SARI and ILI activity has remained low in the last four EWs, with most positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2. Influenza activity has remained at low circuiation levels during the last four EWs, with a slight increase in the last two EWs. During this period, the predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09, followed by B/Victoria. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 positivity has remained at high levels, however the number of positives has declined. By countries: ln Argentina, ILI and SARI levels have remained below the epidemie threshold. After an initial inerease in the positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 in late January, a decline has been observed, remaining at high ievels. ln Brazil, SARS-CoV-2 activity has increased in the past four EWs, remaining at high levels. ln Chile, after a marked deerease, SARS-CoV-2 activity has reeently increased again in the last four EWs, with ILI cases remaining above epidemie levels, however, SARI cases remained just below the epidemie threshold, mostly attributable to SARS-CoV-2. ln Paraguay, SARS-CoV-2 cireulation has shown a decrease in the last three EWs, reaching moderate leveis, and influenza aetivity has increased above the epidemie threshold, while SARI activity has been below epidemie leveis, with most positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2. ln Uruguay, SARI activity has continued at levels below the epidemie threshold, with most of the few positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2.

[RESUMEN SEMANAL]. Situación regional: Durante las últimas cuatro Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE), ha habido una disminución en la actividad de Enfermedad Tipo Influenza (ETI) en la región de las Américas, estabilizándose en niveles medios. De igual forma, se ha observado una disminución en la actividad de la lnfección Respiratoria Aguda Grave (IRAG), actualmente en niveles bajos. En ambos casos, la actividad observada se ha asociado con casos positivos de influenza y SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de ETI se ha relacionado principalmente con la actividad moderada observada en América dei Norte, que mostrá una leve disminución en las últimas cuatro semanas. En cuanto a la circulación de virus respiratorios, la actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 se ha mantenido moderada a nivel regional en comparación con oleadas epidémicas anteriores. La actividad de la influenza ha disminuido durante el período; La actividad dei virus respiratorio sincicial (VRS), aunque sigue siendo moderada, también ha disminuido. América dei Norte: los casos de ETI se han mantenido en niveles medio-altos, y la mayoría de los casos son atribuibles a la influenza, aunque muestran una disminución en esta proporción. Los casos de IRAG han disminuido, y la mayoría de los casos son atribuibles a la influenza y, en menor medida, ai SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de la influenza se ha mantenido en niveles epidémicos después de una ligera disminudón en las SE redentes. Durante este período, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido el tipo A(H1 N1)pdm09, con circulación concurrente de influenza A(H3N2) y, en menor medida, influenza BNictoria. La actividad dei VRS ha disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE, manteniéndose en niveles moderados. La positividad dei SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE y se mantiene por debajo de los niveles de finales de 2023. Por países: En Canadá, la actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido notablemente en las últimas cuatro SE hasta niveles medias. La actividad de la influenza se mantiene en niveles epidémicos y la actividad dei VRS ha disminuido durante este período. En México, la circulación de influenza se ha mantenido fluctuando a niveles epidémicos en las últimas cuatro SE, mientras que se observa un aumento en la circuladón de SARS-CoV-2. En los Estados Unidos, la actividad de la influenza disminuyó en los últimos cuatro SE y se mantuvo por encima dei umbral epidémico, la actividad dei VRS disminuyó a niveles moderados y, aunque el SARS-CoV-2 se mantuvo en niveles altos, mostrá una tendenda decreciente. Las tasas de hospitalización por influenza, VRS y SARS-CoV-2, luego de alcanzar niveles similares a los de la temporada anterior, han mostrado una tendencia a la baja en las últimas cuatro SE. Caribe: Los casos de ETI han disminuido desde niveles altos en las semanas anteriores a niveles moderados en la SE más redente asodado con disminuciones en los casos positivos de influenza y SARS-Co-V-2; Los casos de IRAG han seguido disminuyendo. La actividad de influenza ha aumentado en las últimas cuatro SE, alcanzando niveles bajos de drculación. Durante las últimas cuatro SE, los virus predominantes han sido el tipo A(H1N1)pdm09, seguido dei A(H3N2) y, en menor medida, el BNictoria. La actividad dei VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido a niveles moderados y continúa mostrando una tendencia decreciente. Por países: Se ha observado una elevada actividad de influenza en Surinam. Centroamérica: Los casos de ETI e IRAG han disminuido en las últimas cuatro semanas, siendo la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles ai SARS-CoV-2 y, en menor medida, a la influenza. La actividad de influenza ha disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE, observándose un aumento en la SE más redente, aunque se mantiene en niveles bajos. Durante este período los virus predominantes han sido el tipo A(H1N1)pdm09, seguido dei A(H3N2) y BNictoria. La actividad dei VRS ha disminuido a niveles bajos. La actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 siguió disminuyendo y se mantuvo en niveles bajos. Por países: En EI Salvador, la actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 continuá disminuyendo durante las últimas cuatro SE. En Guatemala, los casos de ETI se mantuvieron en niveles altos y los casos de IRAG, aunque disminuyeron a niveles moderados, mostraron una positividad creciente para el SARS-Co-V-2 y la influenza. En Honduras, tanto los casos de ETI como de IRAG aumentaron ligeramente en las últimas cuatro SE, sin embargo, ambos permanecen por debajo de los niveles epidémicos. La actividad gripal continuá a niveles epidémicos. En Nicaragua, la actividad dei VRS ha seguido disminuyendo; Tanto los niveles de influenza como de SARS-CoV- 2 se han mantenido bajos. Después de alcanzar niveles elevados a principies de enero de 2024 en Panamá, la actividad dei SARSCoV- 2 ha disminuido. Sin embargo, después de fluctuar alrededor dei umbral epidémico en las últimas cuatro SE, los niveles de actividad de la influenza han aumentado a niveles epidémicos. Los casos de ETI e IRAG han disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE. Andino: La actividad de ETI se ha mantenido estable en niveles bajos y los casos de IRAG se mantuvieron en niveles altos, siendo la mayor proporción de casos positivos atribuibles ai SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de influenza se ha mantenido en niveles bajos en las últimas cuatro SE. Durante este período, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido el tipo A(H1 N1)pdm09, con circulación de A(H3N2) y BNictoria en menor medida. La actividad dei VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE. Por países: En Bolivia la circulación de influenza ha aumentado en las últimas SE, predominando la influenza A(H3N2). Sin embargo, las cifras de IRAG y ETI se han mantenido bajas. En Colombia, la actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido luego de un aumento inicial a mediados de enero de 2024. En Ecuador, el SARS-CoV-2 ha mostrado un aumento en la actividad en la pasada SE; la actividad de la influenza ha seguido disminuyendo y se ha mantenido por debajo de los umbrales epidémicos durante las últimas cuatro SE, y la actividad dei VRS ha disminuido. Los casos de IRAG también han disminuido. En Perú, la actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido constantemente durante las últimas cuatro SE. La actividad de influenza en Venezuela ha aumentado en las últimas cuatro SE, con A(H1N1)pdm09 dominando seguido de influenza A(H3N2) e influenza BNictoria. Brasil y Cono Sur: La actividad de IRAG y ETI se ha mantenido baja en las últimas cuatro SE, siendo la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles ai SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de influenza se ha mantenido en niveles de circulación bajos durante las últimas cuatro SE, con un ligero aumento en las últimas dos SE. Durante este período, los vírus de influenza predominantes han sido el tipo A(H3N2) y A(H1N1)pdm09, seguidos por el BNictoria. La actividad dei VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La positividad dei SARS-CoV-2 se ha mantenido en niveles elevados, sin embargo, el número de positivos ha disminuido. Por países: En Argentina los niveles de ETI e IRAG se han mantenido por debajo dei umbral epidémico. Tras un aumento inicial de la tasa de positividad dei SARS-CoV-2 a finales de enero, se ha observado un descenso, manteniéndose en niveles elevados. En Brasil, la actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 ha aumentado en las últimas cuatro SE y se mantiene en niveles elevados. En Chile, después de una marcada disminución, la actividad dei SARS-CoV-2 recientemente aumentá nuevamente en las últimas cuatro SE, y los casos de ETI se mantuvieron por encima de los niveles epidémicos; sin embargo, los casos de IRAG se mantuvieronjusto por debajo dei umbral epidémico, en su mayoría atribuibles ai SARS-CoV-2. En Paraguay, la circulación de SARS-CoV-2 ha mostrado una disminución en las últimas tres SE, alcanzando niveles moderados, y la actividad de influenza ha aumentado por encima dei umbral epidémico, mientras que la actividad de IRAG ha estado por debajo de los niveles epidémicos, siendo la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles ai SARS-CoV-2. En Uruguay, la actividad de IRAG ha continuado en niveles por debajo dei umbral epidémico, y la mayoría de los pocos casos positivos son atribuibles ai SARS-CoV-2.

Regional Update, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses. Epidemiological Week 9 (8 March 2024)

[WEEKLY SUMMARY]. Regional Situation: Over the past tour Epidemiological Weeks (EWs), there has been a decline in lnfluenza-Like lllness (ILI) activity in the Americas region, stabilizing at medium levels. Similarly, a decrease has been observed in the activity of Severe Acute Respiratory lnfection (SARI), currently at low levels. In both cases, the observed activity has been associated with positive cases of influenza and SARS-CoV-2. ILI activity has been mainly linked to moderate activity observed in North America, which showed a mild decrease in the past tour weeks. Regarding the circulation of respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 activity has remained moderate at the regional level compared to previous epidemic waves. Influenza activity has decreased over the period; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, while remaining moderate, has also declined. North America: ILI cases have remained at medium-high levels, with most cases attributable to influenza, although showing a decline in this proportion. SARI cases have decreased, with most cases attributable to influenza and, to a lesser extent, SARS-CoV-2. Influenza activity has remained at epidemic levels after a slight decrease in recent EWs. During this period, the predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H 1 N 1 )pdm09, with concurrent circulation of influenza A(H3N2) and, to a lesser extent, influenza B/Victoria. RSV activity has declined in the last tour EWs, remaining at moderate levels. SARS-CoV-2 positivity has decreased in the last tour EWs and remains below late 2023 levels. By countries: In Canada, SARS-CoV-2 activity has markedly decreased in the last tour EWs to medium levels. Influenza activity remains at epidemic levels, and RSV activity has declined during this period. In Mexico, influenza circulation has remained fluctuating at epidemic levels in the last tour EWs, while an increase in SARS-CoV-2 circulation has been observed. In the United States, influenza activity has decreased in the past tour EWS and remained above the epidemic threshold, RSV activity has decreased to moderate levels, and although SARS-CoV-2 has remained at high levels, it has shown a decreasing trend. Hospitalization rates tor influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, after reaching similar high levels to the previous season, have shown a downward trend in the last tour EWs. Caribbean: ILI cases have declined from high levels in preceding weeks to moderate levels in the most recent EW associated with decreases in positive influenza and SARS-Co-V-2 cases; SARI cases have remained on the decline. Influenza activity has increased in the last tour EWs, reaching low circulation levels. During the last tour EWs, the predominant viruses have been type A(H1 N1)pdm09, tollowed by A(H3N2) and, to a lesser extent, B/Victoria. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity has declined to moderate levels, continuing to show a decreasing trend. By countries: Elevated influenza activity has been observed in Suriname. Central America: ILI and SARI cases have decreased in the last tour weeks, with the majority of positive cases attributable to SARSCoV- 2 and, to a lesser extent, influenza. Influenza activity has decreased in the last tour EWs, with an increase noted in the most recent EW, however remaining at low levels. During this period, the predominant viruses have been type A(H 1 N 1 )pdm09, tollowed by A(H3N2) and B/Victoria. RSV activity has decreased to low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity further declined and remained at low levels. By countries: In El Salvador, SARS-CoV-2 activity continued to decline over the past tour EWs. In Guatemala, ILI cases were sustained at high levels and SARI cases while declining to moderate levels showed increasing positivity tor SARS-Co-V-2 and influenza. In Honduras, both ILI and SARI cases increased slightly in the past tour EWs, however both remain below epidemic levels. Influenza activity continued at epidemic levels. In Nicaragua, RSV activity has continued to decline; both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 levels have remained low. After reaching high levels in early January 2024 in Panama, SARS-CoV-2 activity has decreased. However, after fluctuating around the epidemic threshold in the last tour EWs, influenza activity levels have increased to epidemic levels. ILI and SARI cases, have declined in the last tour EWs. Andean: ILI activity has remained stable at low levels, and SARI casesremaineda t high levels, with the highest proportion of positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2. Influenza activity has remained at low levels in the last four EWs. During this period, the predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H 1 N 1 )pdm09, with circulation of A(H3N2) and B/Victoria to a lesser extent. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity has declined over the past four EWs. By countries: In Bolivia, influenza circulation has increased in recent EWs with influenza A(H3N2) dominating. SARI and ILI numbers have, however, remained low. In Colombia, SARS-CoV-2 activity have declined after an initial increase in mid-January 2024. In Ecuador, SARS-CoV-2 has shown an increase in activity in the past EW; influenza activity has continued to decline and has remained beneath epidemic thresholds far the past four EWs, and RSV activity has declined. SARI cases have also decreased. In Peru, SARSCoV- 2 activity has steadily declined over the past four EWs. Influenza activity in Venezuela has increased over the past four EWs with A(H1 N1)pdm09 dominating followed by influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B/Victoria. Brazil and the Southern Cone: SARI and ILI activity has remained low in the last four EWs, with most positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2. Influenza activity has remained at low circulation levels during the last four EWs, with a slight increase in the last two EWs. During this period, the predominant influenza viruses have been type A(H3N2) and A(H1 N1)pdm09, followed by B/Victoria. RSV activity has remained at low levels. SARS-CoV-2 positivity has remained at high levels, however the number of positives has declined. By countries: In Argentina, ILI and SARI levels have remained below the epidemic threshold. After an initial increase in the positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 in late January, a decline has been observed, remaining at high levels. In Brazil, SARS-CoV-2 activity has increased in the past four EWs, remaining at high levels. In Chile, after a marked decrease, SARS-CoV-2 activity has recently increased again in the last four EWs, with ILI cases remaining above epidemic levels, however, SARI cases remained just below the epidemic threshold, mostly attributable to SARS-CoV-2. In Paraguay, SARS-CoV-2 circulation has shown a decrease in the last three EWs, reaching moderate levels, and influenza activity has increased above the epidemic threshold, while SARI activity has been below epidemic levels, with most positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2. In Uruguay, SARI activity has continued at levels below the epidemic threshold, with most of the few positive cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2.

[RESUMEN SEMANAL]. Situación regional: Durante las últimas cuatro Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE), ha habido una disminución en la actividad de Enfermedad Tipo Influenza (ETI) en la región de las Américas, estabilizándose en niveles medios. De igual forma, se ha observado una disminución en la actividad de la Infección Respiratoria Aguda Grave (IRAG), actualmente en niveles bajos. En ambos casos, la actividad observada se ha asociado con casos positivos de influenza y SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de ETI se ha relacionado principalmente con la actividad moderada observada en América del Norte, que mostró una leve disminución en las últimas cuatro semanas. En cuanto a la circulación de virus respiratorios, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 se ha mantenido moderada a nivel regional en comparación con oleadas epidémicas anteriores. La actividad de la influenza ha disminuido durante el período; La actividad del virus respiratorio sincicial (VRS), aunque sigue siendo moderada, también ha disminuido. América del Norte: los casos de ETI se han mantenido en niveles medio-altos, y la mayoría de los casos son atribuibles a la influenza, aunque muestran una disminución en esta proporción. Los casos de IRAG han disminuido, y la mayoría de los casos son atribuibles a la influenza y, en menor medida, al SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de la influenza se ha mantenido en niveles epidémicos después de una ligera disminución en las SE recientes. Durante este período, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido el tipo A(H1 N1)pdm09, con circulación concurrente de influenza A(H3N2) y, en menor medida, influenza B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS ha disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE, manteniéndose en niveles moderados. La positividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE y se mantiene por debajo de los niveles de finales de 2023. Por países: En Canadá, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido notablemente en las últimas cuatro SE hasta niveles medios. La actividad de la influenza se mantiene en niveles epidémicos y la actividad del VRS ha disminuido durante este período. En México, la circulación de influenza se ha mantenido fluctuando a niveles epidémicos en las últimas cuatro SE, mientras que se observa un aumento en la circulación de SARS-CoV-2. En los Estados Unidos, la actividad de la influenza disminuyó en los últimos cuatro SE y se mantuvo por encima del umbral epidémico, la actividad del VRS disminuyó a niveles moderados y, aunque el SARS-CoV-2 se mantuvo en niveles altos, mostró una tendencia decreciente. Las tasas de hospitalización por influenza, VRS y SARS-CoV-2, luego de alcanzar niveles similares a los de la temporada anterior, han mostrado una tendencia a la baja en las últimas cuatro SE. Caribe: Los casos de ETI han disminuido desde niveles altos en las semanas anteriores a niveles moderados en la SE más reciente asociado con disminuciones en los casos positivos de influenza y SARS-Co-V-2; Los casos de IRAG han seguido disminuyendo. La actividad de influenza ha aumentado en las últimas cuatro SE, alcanzando niveles bajos de circulación. Durante las últimas cuatro SE, los virus predominantes han sido el tipo A(H1 N1)pdm09, seguido del A(H3N2) y, en menor medida, el B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido a niveles moderados y continúa mostrando una tendencia decreciente. Por países: Se ha observado una elevada actividad de influenza en Surinam. Centroamérica: Los casos de ETI e IRAG han disminuido en las últimas cuatro semanas, siendo la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles al SARS-CoV-2 y, en menor medida, a la influenza. La actividad de influenza ha disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE, observándose un aumento en la SE más reciente, aunque se mantiene en niveles bajos. Durante este periodo los virus predominantes han sido el tipo A(H 1 N 1 )pdm09, seguido del A(H3N2) y B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS ha disminuido a niveles bajos. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 siguió disminuyendo y se mantuvo en niveles bajos. Por países: En El Salvador, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 continuó disminuyendo durante las últimas cuatro SE. En Guatemala, los casos de ETI se mantuvieron en niveles altos y los casos de IRAG, aunque disminuyeron a niveles moderados, mostraron una positividad creciente para el SARS-Co-V-2 y la influenza. En Honduras, tanto los casos de ETI como de IRAG aumentaron ligeramente en las últimas cuatro SE, sin embargo, ambos permanecen por debajo de los niveles epidémicos. La actividad gripal continuó a niveles epidémicos. En Nicaragua, la actividad del VRS ha seguido disminuyendo; Tanto los niveles de influenza como de SARS-CoV- 2 se han mantenido bajos. Después de alcanzar niveles elevados a principios de enero de 2024 en Panamá, la actividad del SARSCoV- 2 ha disminuido. Sin embargo, después de fluctuar alrededor del umbral epidémico en las últimas cuatro SE, los niveles de actividad de la influenza han aumentado a niveles epidémicos. Los casos de ETI e IRAG han disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE. Andino: La actividad de ETI se ha mantenido estable en niveles bajos y los casos de IRAG se mantuvieron en niveles altos, siendo la mayor proporción de casos positivos atribuibles al SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de influenza se ha mantenido en niveles bajos en las últimas cuatro SE. Durante este período, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido el tipo A(H1 N1)pdm09, con circulación de A(H3N2) y B/Victoria en menor medida. La actividad del VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido en las últimas cuatro SE. Por países: En Bolivia la circulación de influenza ha aumentado en las últimas SE, predominando la influenza A(H3N2). Sin embargo, las cifras de IRAG y ETI se han mantenido bajas. En Colombia, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido luego de un aumento inicial a mediados de enero de 2024. En Ecuador, el SARS-CoV-2 ha mostrado un aumento en la actividad en la pasada SE; la actividad de la influenza ha seguido disminuyendo y se ha mantenido por debajo de los umbrales epidémicos durante las últimas cuatro SE, y la actividad del VRS ha disminuido. Los casos de IRAG también han disminuido. En Perú, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha disminuido constantemente durante las últimas cuatro SE. La actividad de influenza en Venezuela ha aumentado en las últimas cuatro SE, con A(H1N1)pdm09 dominando seguido de influenza A(H3N2) e influenza B/Victoria. Brasil y Cono Sur: La actividad de IRAG y ETI se ha mantenido baja en las últimas cuatro SE, siendo la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles al SARS-CoV-2. La actividad de influenza se ha mantenido en niveles de circulación bajos durante las últimas cuatro SE, con un ligero aumento en las últimas dos SE. Durante este período, los virus de influenza predominantes han sido el tipo A(H3N2) y A(H1 N1)pdm09, seguidos por el B/Victoria. La actividad del VRS se ha mantenido en niveles bajos. La positividad del SARS-CoV-2 se ha mantenido en niveles elevados, sin embargo, el número de positivos ha disminuido. Por países: En Argentina los niveles de ETI e IRAG se han mantenido por debajo del umbral epidémico. Tras un aumento inicial de la tasa de positividad del SARS-CoV-2 a finales de enero, se ha observado un descenso, manteniéndose en niveles elevados. En Brasil, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 ha aumentado en las últimas cuatro SE y se mantiene en niveles elevados. En Chile, después de una marcada disminución, la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 recientemente aumentó nuevamente en las últimas cuatro SE, y los casos de ETI se mantuvieron por encima de los niveles epidémicos; sin embargo, los casos de IRAG se mantuvieron justo por debajo del umbral epidémico, en su mayoría atribuibles al SARS-CoV-2. En Paraguay, la circulación de SARS-CoV-2 ha mostrado una disminución en las últimas tres SE, alcanzando niveles moderados, y la actividad de influenza ha aumentado por encima del umbral epidémico, mientras que la actividad de IRAG ha estado por debajo de los niveles epidémicos, siendo la mayoría de los casos positivos atribuibles al SARS-CoV-2. En Uruguay, la actividad de IRAG ha continuado en niveles por debajo del umbral epidémico, y la mayoría de los pocos casos positivos son atribuibles al SARS-CoV-2.

Urban socioeconomic variation influences the ecology and evolution of trophic interactions.

As urbanization expands, it is becoming increasingly important to understand how anthropogenic activity is affecting ecological and evolutionary processes. Few studies have examined how human social patterns within cities can modify eco-evolutionary dynamics. We tested how socioeconomic variation corresponds with changes in trophic interactions and natural selection on prey phenotypes using the classic interaction between goldenrod gall flies (Eurosta solidaginis) and their natural enemies: birds, beetles, and parasitoid wasps. We sampled galls from 84 sites across neighbourhoods with varying socioeconomic levels, and quantified the frequency of predation/parasitism on flies and natural selection by each enemy. We found that bird predation was higher in the highest income neighbourhoods, increasing the strength of selection for smaller galls. Wasp and beetle attack, but not their strength of selection, increased in lower income neighbourhoods. We show that socioeconomic variation in cities can have strong unintended consequences for the ecology and evolution of trophic interactions.

Susceptibility of Mangifera indica (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) cultivars to fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in 2 agroecological zones of Cameroon.

The Sudano-Sahelian and the high Guinea savannahs agroecological zones of Cameroon are suitable for the full development of tree crops, including mango. Unfortunately, fresh fruits exported to local and international markets are frequently rejected due to the presence of fruit fly larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae), resulting in drastic income losses and overuse of chemical control products. To promote sustainable management strategies, a 2-yr study (2020-2021) was conducted in 4 and 3 mixed orchards, respectively. Attacked mangoes showing signs of fruit fly damage were collected and taken to the laboratory to rear and identify fruit flies. Repeated grafting and agroclimatic differences were responsible for dissimilarities between the 2 zones, with 18 and 16 cultivars, respectively. From 2,857 attacked mangoes, 26,707 fruit flies belonging to 4 species were identified: Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis cosyra, Ceratitis fasciventris, and Ceratitis anonae. Climate change was the factor determining the distribution of the 2 most important mango fruit flies: B. dorsalis was a wetland species (dominance/occurrence > 70%), while C. cosyra was a dry-land species (dominance/occurrence > 75%). Both species were responsible for high levels of infestations. Bactrocera dorsalis preferred 3 mango cultivars, namely Palmer and Smith in Zone 1, and Ifack 1 in Zone 2 (infestation > 20 individuals/100 g of mango). The host-plant spectrum of C. cosyra was modified by alternative host plants. Both C. fasciventris and C. anonae were rare. Findings from this study could guide researchers in the development of monitoring tools for fruit fly populations and, subsequently, in reducing the damage they cause to mangoes.

Transcriptomic Identification and Characterization of Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase in Fat Body of the Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis.

The destructive agricultural pest oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), has been causing huge damage to the fruits and vegetable industry. Although many pertinent studies have been conducted on B. dorsalis, the functions of fat body still remain largely unknown. To this end, the comparative transcriptome analysis between fat body and carcass was performed in an attempt to provide insights into functions of fat body of B. dorsalis in the present study. A total of 1431 upregulated and 2511 downregulated unigenes were discovered in the fat body vs carcass comparison, respectively. The enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG) revealed that most of the enriched pathways were related to metabolism. The reliability of DEG analysis was validated by qRT-PCR measurements of 12 genes in starch and sucrose metabolism pathway, including the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (BdTPS) which was highly expressed in eggs, 5 d-old adults, and fat body. The RNAi of BdTPS significantly affected trehalose and chitin metabolism, larval growth, and larva-pupa metamorphosis. Collectively, the findings in this study enriched our understanding of fat body functions in metabolism and demonstrated the indispensable roles of BdTPS in trehalose-related physiological pathways.

Severe hurricanes increase recruitment and gene flow in the clonal sponge Aplysina cauliformis.

Upright branching sponges, such as Aplysina cauliformis, provide critical three-dimensional habitat for other organisms and assist in stabilizing coral reef substrata, but are highly susceptible to breakage during storms. Breakage can increase sponge fragmentation, contributing to population clonality and inbreeding. Conversely, storms could provide opportunities for new genotypes to enter populations via larval recruitment, resulting in greater genetic diversity in locations with frequent storms. The unprecedented occurrence of two Category 5 hurricanes in close succession during 2017 in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) provided a unique opportunity to evaluate whether recolonization of newly available substrata on coral reefs was due to local (e.g. re-growth of remnants, fragmentation, larval recruitment) or remote (e.g. larval transport and immigration) sponge genotypes. We sampled A. cauliformis adults and juveniles from four reefs around St. Thomas and two in St. Croix (USVI). Using a 2bRAD protocol, all samples were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Results showed that these major storm events favoured sponge larval recruitment but did not increase the genetic diversity of A. cauliformis populations. Recolonization of substratum post-storms via clonality was lower (15%) than expected and instead was mainly due to sexual reproduction (85%) via local larval recruitment. Storms did enhance gene flow among and within reef sites located south of St. Thomas and north of St. Croix. Therefore, populations of clonal marine species with low pelagic dispersion, such as A. cauliformis, may benefit from increased frequency and magnitude of hurricanes for the maintenance of genetic diversity and to combat inbreeding, enhancing the resilience of Caribbean sponge communities to extreme storm events.

Persistent long-term habitat use by Florida manatees at Fort Pierce, Florida from 1997 to 2020.

To survive cold winters, Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) depend on artificial (i.e., power plants) and natural warm water sources such as springs and passive thermal basins. Passive thermal basins can provide critical habitat for manatees for short or extended periods of time. The Henry D. King Powerplant in Fort Pierce, Florida discharged warm water into Moore's Creek until it went offline in 1995. However, it is unknown to what degree manatees continue to occupy this area and how environmental factors influence their occurrence in the creek. To explore this, we examined the habitat use of Florida manatees in Moore's Creek after the shutdown from November 1997 to March 2020 from daily counts of manatees. In addition, we correlated local environmental data (ambient air, temperature, salinity) to assess if Moore's Creek had properties indicative of a passive thermal basin. Results indicated there was not an increase or decrease in habitat use over twenty years in the Creek. The consistent use of Moore's Creek over the study period suggests that this habitat possesses thermal and freshwater resources to support manatee occurrence long-term. These findings provide robust support for the importance of this habitat and passive thermal basins for Florida manatees.