Overwhelmed by beauty and faith: review on artistic and religious travelers' syndromes.

Traveling with the intention of encountering art or seeking purification of the spirit involves retribution of intangible nature and therefore can be expected to be a positive experience; nevertheless, among susceptible travelers, there is also a possibility of experiencing pathological conditions. Although it is colloquially known that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, it is necessary to mention that the appreciation of beauty, immensity, or mysticism contained in masterpieces is not perceived only through the eyes but through other sense organs as well. Additionally, this is understood within a cultural framework and through previous knowledge. The reaction triggers a series of somatosensory responses of diverse nature, with a wide range of responses that together constitute a pathological phenomenon that can be defined as syndromic by eliciting signs and symptoms of a physical, physiological, and psychotic nature. Both Stendhal and Jerusalem syndromes are travelers' syndromes that may occur in response to objectively aesthetic elements saturated with meaning linked to the cultural heritage of contemporary humanity. While Stendhal syndrome evokes physical and psychoemotional symptoms from the contemplation of art, Jerusalem syndrome goes beyond perception, adding delusions of being a religious or prophetic protagonist pursuing individual or collective salvation.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about malaria in travelers to risk areas in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Travelers from international airports who travel to endemic countries know the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about malaria; however, it is still unknown to interprovincial travelers who go to the endemic regions of Peru. The objective is to determine the level of KAP about malaria among Peruvian travelers to risk areas. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This are an analytical cross-sectional study of 277 passengers from a bus station in a low-risk area of malaria in Peru, whose destination was an intermediate/high-risk area during February-March 2018. Absolute and relative frequencies of personal variables associated with the trip and KAP were estimated. RESULTS: Less than 50% know the main symptoms of malaria and at what time of day there is a greater risk of becoming infected. Five out of ten people knew which practices were preventive against contagion, and four out of ten answered that the treatment can be given in a health establishment, pharmacy, or by some healer. CONCLUSIONS: Travelers to malaria endemic areas have a low level of knowledge and practice (39.7%) as well as an inadequate preventive attitude (35.4%) against malaria.

Prototipo para el control sanitario internacional en el policlínico universitario "Pedro Borrás Astorga" / Prototype for international health control at Pedro Borras Astorga university polyclinic

RESUMEN Introducción: el programa de Control Sanitario Internacional implementado en Cuba permite el control y seguimiento, en todo el país, de las enfermedades endémicas y transmisibles por vectores, procedentes de otros países. Esto se realiza de forma manual, por teléfono y con el intercambio de documentos. Por ello, se decidió elaborar una herramienta informática que satisfaga las necesidades, en el Departamento de Higiene y Epidemiología del Policlínico. Objetivo: desarrollar el prototipo de una aplicación informática para el control sanitario internacional en el Departamento de Higiene y Epidemiología del Policlínico Universitario "Pedro Borrás Astorga". Métodos: la investigación obedece a un proyecto de innovación tecnológica para definir la arquitectura de la información que se gestiona durante el control sanitario internacional. Se ejecutaron las etapas de análisis y diseño de la aplicación, con el empleo de la metodología ágil para el desarrollo de software. Además, se han aplicado métodos teóricos y empíricos como el histórico-lógico, el analítico-sintético, el inductivo-deductivo, las entrevistas y el análisis documental. Resultados: se describen los primeros resultados de la investigación, a partir del estudio de las necesidades y las carencias actuales del personal del Departamento de Higiene y Epidemiología. Se desarrolló la arquitectura de la información que se gestiona para lograr el control sanitario internacional. Conclusiones: el prototipo obtenido, permitirá a los futuros programadores implementar el software necesario para apoyar al personal del departamento en la toma de decisiones, de forma significativa a la reducción de riesgos por graves epidemias, beneficiará a los profesionales con una herramienta informática que puede simplificar su trabajo, tributar a la optimización del tiempo, la gestión y la seguridad de la información.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the International Sanitary Control Program implemented in Cuba allows the control and follow-up, throughout the country, of endemic and vector-borne diseases from other countries. This is manually done, by telephone and with the exchange of documents. Therefore, it was decided to develop a computerized tool to meet the needs of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Polyclinic. Objective: to develop the prototype of a computer application for international sanitary control in the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology at Pedro Borras Astorga University Polyclinic. Methods: the research complies with a technological innovation project to define the architecture of the information managed during the international sanitary control. The stages of analysis and design of the application were carried out using the agile methodology for software development. In addition, theoretical and empirical methods such as historical-logical, analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive, interviews and documentary analysis were applied. Results: the first results of the research are described, based on the study of the current needs and deficiencies found for the personnel of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology. The architecture of the information managed to achieve international sanitary control was developed. Conclusions: the prototype obtained, will allow future programmers to implement the necessary software to support the staff of the department in decision making, significantly reducing risks due to serious epidemics, it will benefit professionals with a computer tool that can simplify their work, contribute to the optimization of time, management and information security.

Viajeros internacionales y otros indicadores de la transmisión de la COVID-19 en la provincia Santiago de Cuba / International travelers and other indicators of COVID-19 transmission in Santiago de Cuba

RESUMEN Fundamento: los viajeros internacionales procedentes de regiones con altas tasas de incidencia de la COVID-19 tienen una elevada probabilidad de estar infectados y propagar la enfermedad al entrar en contacto con otras personas, por lo que resulta necesario investigar la influencia de la entrada de estos viajeros sobre la transmisión, durante la segunda ola de la epidemia. Objetivo determinar la influencia de la entrada de viajeros internacionales y otros indicadores sobre la transmisión de la COVID-19 en la provincia Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: se desarrolló un estudio ecológico de correlación de la incidencia de COVID-19 con determinadas variables considerando como unidades de análisis los municipios de la provincia Santiago de Cuba. Para conocer la correlación se empleó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Para determinar las variables que más influyeron en la cantidad de casos confirmados se aplicaron la regresión lineal múltiple y por mínimos cuadrados parciales. Mediante la aplicación del análisis de conglomerados se determinaron los municipios más similares. Resultados: se obtuvieron seis modelos y la formación de varios conglomerados. El municipio Santiago de Cuba resultó atípico. Las variables que más influyeron fueron: viajeros, viajeros con COVID-19, cantidad de focos, cantidad de asintomáticos, densidad poblacional y colaborador. Dentro de las regiones y países que determinaron el modelo se encuentran América, Europa, España, México y Venezuela. Conclusiones: la cantidad de viajeros con y sin COVID-19 ha sido un detonante de la cantidad de casos infectados durante la epidemia en Santiago de Cuba.

ABSTRACT Background: International travelers from regions with high incidence rates of COVID-19 have a high probability of being infected and spreading the disease when in contact with other people, so it is necessary to investigate the influence of the entry of these travelers on the transmission of COVID-19 during the second wave of the epidemic. Objective To determine the influence of the entry of international travelers and other indicators on the transmission of COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba province. Methods an ecological study of correlation of the incidence of COVID-19 with certain variables was developed considering as units of analysis the municipalities of Santiago de Cuba province. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation. To determine the variables that most influenced the number of confirmed cases, multiple linear regression and partial least squares were applied. Cluster analysis was used to determine the most similar municipalities. Results six models and the formation of several clusters were obtained. The municipality of Santiago de Cuba was atypical. The most influential variables were: travelers, travelers with COVID, number of outbreaks, number of asymptomatic, population density and collaborator. The regions and countries that determined the model were America, Europe, Spain, Mexico and Venezuela. Conclusions the number of travelers with and without COVID-19 has been a trigger for the number of infected cases in the epidemic in Santiago de Cuba.

Una propuesta desde el centro de Cuba sobre la cuarentena turística en la nueva normalidad / A proposal from the center of Cuba on the tourist quarantine in the New Normality Phase

RESUMEN Una vez emitidas las alertas tempranas sobre la COVID-19, Cuba comenzó a revisar todos los protocolos de actuación en frontera y las tareas del Control Sanitario Internacional que estarían contenidas en el Plan para el control y la prevención del nuevo coronavirus; se reforzaron las tres líneas de vigilancia epidemiológica, el plan con nuevas medidas y los protocolos de actuación. Se establecieron los Protocolos de Control Sanitario Internacional en la atención primaria de salud y en las instalaciones turísticas. Implementar la cuarentena con características turísticas para los viajeros que arriben a Cuba, en Fase Epidémica, de Recuperación o en Fase de Nueva Normalidad, en hoteles o instalaciones destinadas al turismo de salud, es una propuesta organizativa que fortalece el Programa Nacional de Control Sanitario Internacional para la prevención del SARS-COV-2. Estas acciones contribuirán a controlar la pandemia, evitar los rebrotes, y mantener el turismo con ingresos a la economía nacional.

ABSTRACT Once the early warnings on COVID-19 were issued, Cuba began to review all action protocols at the border and International Sanitary Control tasks that would be contained in the Plan for the control and prevention of the new coronavirus; three lines of epidemiological surveillance, the plan with new measures and the action protocols were reinforced. International Health Control Protocols were established in primary health care and in tourist facilities. Implementing the quarantine with tourist characteristics for travelers arriving in Cuba, in the Epidemic, Recovery or New Normality Phase, in hotels or facilities for health tourism, is an organizational proposal that strengthens the National Program for International Sanitary Control to prevent SARS-COV-2. These actions will help to control the pandemic, prevent outbreaks, and maintain tourism with incomes to the national economy.

Requerimientos para la operación de cruceros y medidas para los pasajeros: síntesis rápida de evidencia / Requirements for the operation of cruise ships and measures for passengers: rapid evidence synthesis

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO A raíz de la pandemia por COVID-19 y con el objetivo de limitar su propagación, el Gobierno de Chile ha implementado diferentes medidas para identificar tempranamente casos nuevos, aislar rápidamente los casos confirmados e indicar cuarentena a sus contactos estrechos. Los protocolos o definiciones epidemiológicas se han ido adecuando en la medida que aumenta el conocimiento respecto al comportamiento del SARS-CoV-2 y a la contingencia epidemiológica. Actualmente, el Ministerio de Salud se encuentra evaluando las condiciones que exigirá a cruceros para operar en aguas chilenas. En consecuencia, el equipo del Reglamento Sanitario Internacional del Departamento de Epidemiología solicita esta síntesis con el objetivo de describir los requisitos de la operación de cruceros y medidas para los pasajeros establecidas en diferentes países. METODOLOGÍA Primero se elaboró un listado de los países con mayor concurrencia de pasajeros de cruceros. Posteriormente, se identificaron organismos internacionales de referencia en materias de salud pública y asuntos marítimos. Luego de establecer los países y organizaciones de interés, se buscó en sus páginas gubernamentales. Se complementó con una búsqueda no estructurada de buscadores web no científicos. Se incluye información de 10 países: Estados Unidos, España, Italia, México, Reino Unido, China, Bahamas, Jamaica, Australia e Israel. 4 organismos internacionales RESULTADOS Las condiciones aplicadas por los países o las recomendadas realizadas por organismos internacionales son las siguientes: -Cruceros: monitoreo y reporte de la situación epidemiológica; protocolos de la naviera para la prevención y mitigación de riesgo sanitario; fortalecimiento de insumos y de profesional médico a bordo; adquisición de seguros médicos en caso de brotes; adquisición de seguros o acuerdos con residencias para aislamiento o cuarentena; entrenamiento, requisitos y protección a la tripulación; distanciamiento y reducción del número de pasajeros al 50% de la capacidad máxima. -Pasajeros: ausencia de síntomas o de indicación de aislamiento, uso de mascarilla, distanciamiento físico, realización de test para COVID-19 y presentar certificado de vacunación en caso de poseerlo. -Algunos países mantienen cerradas las actividades de cruceros en sus costas, otros las han restringido a viajes domésticos y otros no las han iniciado por decisión de las propias navieras.

Maternal Infection and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Pregnant Travellers: Results of the International Zika Virus in Pregnancy Registry.

In this multicentre cohort study, we evaluated the risks of maternal ZIKV infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes among exposed travellers compared to women living in areas with ZIKV circulation (residents). The risk of maternal infection was lower among travellers compared to residents: 25.0% (n = 36/144) versus 42.9% (n = 309/721); aRR 0.6; 95% CI 0.5-0.8. Risk factors associated with maternal infection among travellers were travelling during the epidemic period (i.e., June 2015 to December 2016) (aOR 29.4; 95% CI 3.7-228.1), travelling to the Caribbean Islands (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.2-8.7) and stay duration >2 weeks (aOR 8.7; 95% CI 1.1-71.5). Adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed in 8.3% (n = 3/36) of infected travellers and 12.7% (n = 39/309) of infected residents. Overall, the risk of maternal infections is lower among travellers compared to residents and related to the presence of ongoing outbreaks and stay duration, with stays <2 weeks associated with minimal risk in the absence of ongoing outbreaks.

O viajante como agente ativo na transmissibilidade do SARS-CoV-2: uma revisão sistemática / The traveler as an active agent of SARS-CoV-2 transmission: a systematic review

O objetivo deste trabalho foi evidenciar o papel dos viajantes na transmissão e na disseminação do novo coronavírus. A busca pelos artigos foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed®, SciELO, MEDLINE®, Cochrane, Center for Disease Control and Prevention e UpToDate. Foram incluídos artigos relacionados à transmissibilidade, principalmente aqueles associados à disseminação realizada por viajantes, do novo coronavírus. Excluíram-se artigos relacionados a outros surtos de coronavírus. Todos os estudos foram lidos e analisados integralmente. Onze artigos foram selecionados e tabulados, dos quais se pôde desenvolver uma fundamentação teórica, que expõe o grande impacto dos viajantes perante o crescimento da pandemia relacionada ao SARS-CoV-2, levando em consideração as diversas formas com que esse vírus pode se propagar, sendo elas por contato com superfícies contaminadas ou pessoa a pessoa, visto que a infecção pode ser decorrente de gotículas, aerossóis, fômites e, possivelmente, contato sexual, estando os indivíduos sintomáticos ou não.

The objective of this study was to highlight the travelers role in the transmission and dissemination of new coronavirus. The search for the articles was carried out in PubMed®, SciELO, MEDLINE®, Cochrane, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UpToDate databases. Articles related with transmissibility of the new coronavirus were included, mainly those linked with the dissemination from travelers. Articles related with other coronavirus outbreaks were excluded. All of the studies were read and analyzed in their entirety. Eleven articles were selected and tabulated, from which a theoretical framework was developed, which exposes the great impact of travelers in the face of the growth of the pandemic related to the SARS-CoV-2, considering the several ways in which this virus can spread, either through contact with contaminated surfaces or person-to-person, since the infection may occur through droplets, aerosols, fomites, and possibly sexual contact, whether individuals are symptomatic or not.

Uncertainties, Fear and Stigma: Perceptions of Zika Virus among Pregnant Women in Spain.

Similar to other epidemics, knowledge about Zika virus (ZIKV) relies upon information often coming from outside the health system. This study aimed to explore views, perceptions and attitudes towards ZIKV among migrant women from Central and South America, diagnosed with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, and to comprehend healthcare professionals' perceptions of ZIKV. An exploratory qualitative study, based on phenomenology and grounded theory, was conducted in Barcelona, Spain. Data were collected through in-depth and paired interviews with women diagnosed with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, and semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals. Women showed good level of awareness of ZIKV, despite some knowledge gaps. The most consulted source of information about ZIKV was the Internet. Women expressed they suffered from anxiety and depression due to potential effects of ZIKV on their babies. They conveyed their sources of support came primarily from their partners and relatives, as well as healthcare professionals. This study stresses the dramatic health, social and emotional burden that the epidemic imposed on migrant women infected with ZIKV during pregnancy. These results may help guide psychosocial support and health measures for pregnant women and their children as part of the public health emergency response in emergent epidemics.

A new emerging zoonotic virus of concern: the 2019 novel Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) / Un nuevo virus zoonótico emergente de preocupación: el Coronavirus novel 2019

We review here the origin, outbreak characteristics and main epidemiological features of the novel Coronavirus (2019nCoV) responsible of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Rapid global health authorities' responses are now in course and international scientific collaboration is urgently need. Previous outbreaks experiences with similar viral agents have increased the capacity to containment and control of these recurrent health menaces.

Revisamos aquí el origen, características del brote y la epidemiología del nuevo Coronavirus (2019nCoV) responsable de una nueva enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19). Una rápida respuesta de las autoridades de salud mundiales está en marcha y se ha hecho un llamado urgente para colaboración científica internacional. Las lecciones aprendidas de brotes previos con agentes virales similares han aumentado las capacidades para contener y controlar estas amenazas recurrentes a la salud global.

Risks Related to Chikungunya Infections among European Union Travelers, 2012-2018.

Autochthonous outbreaks of chikungunya have occurred in the European Union (EU) after virus introduction by infected travelers. We reviewed the surveillance data of travel-related cases reported in the EU during 2012-2018 to document factors associated with increased infection rates among travelers and to assess how surveillance data could support preparedness against secondary transmission and timely control of outbreaks. Thirteen EU countries reported 2,616 travel-related chikungunya cases. We observed 3 successive epidemiologic periods; the highest number of cases (75%) occurred during 2014-2015, when most cases were associated with the Caribbean and South America. The highest infection rates among travelers were observed during the same phase. Although surveillance of travel-related cases is relevant for estimating the infection risk for travelers, we could not identify a relationship between the number of infected travelers and a higher likelihood of secondary transmission in the EU.

Geographical trends of chikungunya and Zika in the Colombian Amazonian gateway department, Caqueta, 2015-2018 - Implications for public health and travel medicine.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) significantly affected Latin America in the period 2015-2017. Most studies were reported from urban areas of Brazil and Colombia. In this paper we estimate Incidence rates for CHIKV and ZIKV in Caqueta, the Amazonian gateway area of Colombia, from 2015 to 2018. METHODS: Using surveillance data of CHIKV and ZIKV in Caqueta, Colombia, incidence rates were estimated (cases/100,000 population). Sixteen geographical information systems (GIS)-based municipal maps were developed. GIS software used was Kosmo 3.0®. RESULTS: From 1st of January 2015 to the 24th of November 2018, 825 cases of CHIK and 1079 of ZIKV were reported, yielding cumulated incidence rates of 169.42 and 221.59 cases/100,000 population respectively. In 2016, 48.7% of the CHIKV cases (402) and 96.6% of the ZIKV cases (1042) were reported. The highest number of both arboviral diseases occurred at Florencia (capital department city), 225 cases for CHIKV (127.17 cases/100,000 pop.) and 611 for ZIKV (345.34 cases/100,000 pop.). DISCUSSION: The temporo-spatial distribution of CHIKV and ZIKV infections in Caquetá reflected the pattern of concurrent epidemics, especially in 2016. Studies using GIS-linked maps are necessary to attain accurate epidemiological analyses for public health decisions. That is also useful for an epidemiologically based assessment of traveler risks when visiting specific areas in destination countries.

Spatial distribution of dengue in Honduras during 2016-2019 using a geographic information systems (GIS)-Dengue epidemic implications for public health and travel medicine.

BACKGROUND: After serious epidemics of chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) in the Americas, dengue (DENV) have reemerged in most countries. We analyzed the incidence, incidence rates, and evolution of DENV cases in Honduras from 2015 to 2018 and the ongoing 2019 epidemic. METHODS: Using epidemiological weeks (EW) surveillance data on the DENV in Honduras, we estimated incidence rates (cases/100,000 population), and developed maps at national, departmental, and municipal levels. RESULTS: From January 1, 2016 to July 21, 2019, a total of 109,557 cases of DENV were reported, 28,603 in 2019, with an incidence rate of 312.32 cases/100,000 population this year; 0.13% laboratory-confirmed. The highest peak was reached on the EW 28°, 2019 (5299 cases; 57.89 cases/100,000 population). The department with the highest number of cases and incidence rate was Cortes (8404 cases, 479.68 cases/100,000 population in 2019). DISCUSSION: The pattern and evolution of DENV epidemic in 2019 in Honduras has been similar to that which occurred for in 2015. As previously reported, this epidemic involved the north and central areas of the country predominantly, reaching municipality incidences there >1000 cases/100,000 population (or 1%). Studies using geographical information systems linked with clinical disease characteristics are necessary to obtain accurate epidemiological data for public health systems. Such information is also useful for assessment of risk for travelers who visit specific areas in a destination country.

Vulvitis migratoria causada por gnatostomiasis importada / Migratory vulvitis caused by imported gnathostomiasis

Resumen La gnatostomiasis es una parasitosis emergente en países no endémicos. Este nematodo zoonótico requiere de agua dulce para su ciclo de vida, donde sus larvas se enquistan principalmente en peces. La migración subcutánea de las larvas produce habitualmente una paniculitis eosinofílica de rápido avance. Se describe un caso clínico de un paciente con una lesión migratoria, sin mejoría clínica con terapia antibacteriana. La búsqueda de factores de riesgo, sumado a la evolución y a los hallazgos de laboratorio hizo sospechar el diagnóstico. La gnatostomiasis debe ser sospechado en pacientes con lesiones de piel migratorias, que han consumido pescado crudo durante viajes a países endémicos en Sudamérica o Asia.

Gnathostomiasis is an emerging disease in non-endemic countries. This zoonotic nematode requires aquatic freshwater environments to complete its life cycle where larvae get encrusted in fishes. Typically, the infection manifests as migratory subcutaneous lesion caused by the larvae trak, which produces an eosinophilic panniculitis. Here we describe a patient who presented a migratory lesion with no response to antimicrobial therapy, a careful travel and food history together with specific laboratory tests led to the correct diagnosis. Gnathostomiasis should be suspected in patients with migratory skin lesions who have consumed raw freshwater fish during travel to endemic countries in South America or Asia.