Unexpected arboviruses found in an epidemiological surveillance of acute tropical febrile syndrome in the department of Meta, Eastern Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Nonspecific acute tropical febrile illnesses (NEATFI) are common in the Latin American tropics. Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, Mayaro, and Usutu, among others, can coexist in the American tropics. This study aimed to surveil the arboviruses that cause| acute febrile syndrome in patients in the Meta department, Colombia. METHODS: Between June 2021 and February 2023, an epidemiological surveillance study was conducted in the Llanos of the Meta department in Eastern Colombia. RESULTS: One hundred patients in the acute phase with typical prodromal symptoms of NEATFI infection who attended the emergency department of the Villavicencio Departmental Hospital were included. ELISA tests were performed for Dengue, Usutu, Chikungunya, and Mayaro. RT-qPCR was performed to detect the arboviruses Usutu, Dengue, Zika, Mayaro, and Oropouche. The seroprevalence for the Chikungunya, Mayaro, and Usutu viruses was 41 % (28/68), 40 % (27/67), and 62 % (47/75), respectively. Seroconversion for Chikungunya was observed in one patient; two seroconverted to Mayaro and one to Usutu. The NS5 gene fragment of the Usutu virus was detected in nine febrile patients. RT-qPCR of the remaining arboviruses was negative. The clinical symptoms of the nine Usutu-positive patients were very similar to those of Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and Mayaro infections. CONCLUSIONS: The pervasive detection of unexpected viruses such as Usutu and Mayaro demonstrated the importance of searching for other viruses different from Dengue. Because Usutu infection and Mayaro fever have clinical features like Dengue, a new algorithm should be proposed to improve the accuracy of acute tropical fevers.

Molecular Epidemiology of Mayaro Virus among Febrile Patients, Roraima State, Brazil, 2018-2021.

We detected Mayaro virus (MAYV) in 3.4% (28/822) of febrile patients tested during 2018-2021 from Roraima State, Brazil. We also isolated MAYV strains and confirmed that these cases were caused by genotype D. Improved surveillance is needed to better determine the burden of MAYV in the Amazon Region.

Characteristics and Risk Factors of Central Nervous System Infection in Children With Febrile Seizures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the necessity of performing lumbar puncture in patients experiencing febrile seizures, considering the epidemiology specific to Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed from January 2017 to December 2021. RESULTS: A total of 469 children with seizure and fever were analyzed. The identified event was the first in 65.9% (n = 309). A total of 54.2% (n = 254) of patients had a simple febrile seizure. Infectious focus, excluding previous central nervous system (CNS) infection, was identified in 35.6% (n = 167) patients. Meningitis was identified in 7.7% (n = 36) patients, all of them were viral. Patients with CNS infection had a higher frequency of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, headache, and higher level of leukocytosis. A longer duration of fever was found to be more strongly associated with CNS infection. CONCLUSIONS: When considering the use of lumbar puncture in febrile seizure, it is important to conduct a comprehensive evaluation that considers multiple factors, including clinical signs, symptoms, and the overall clinical context. Meningeal signs may be less prominent, and other symptoms such as lethargy, irritability, and vomiting may serve as more reliable indicators. Although clinical examination suggestive of meningitis remains an important factor, the recurrence of febrile seizures and a longer length of fever can provide additional insights and aid in decision-making regarding lumbar puncture.

Estudio observacional de las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y de laboratorio en pacientes pediátricos con dengue de la ciudad de Córdoba / Observational study of clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of pediatric patients with dengue in the city of Córdoba

Introducción. El dengue es la enfermedad transmitida por mosquitos con mayor propagación mundial en los últimos años. Presenta un amplio espectro de manifestaciones clínicas y, en ocasiones, evoluciona a un estado crítico llamado dengue grave. Su tratamiento es de sostén. La información disponible acerca de las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y de laboratorio de la enfermedad en la población pediátrica es limitada. Objetivo. Describir la epidemiología y las manifestaciones clínicas y de laboratorio de la enfermedad. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Incluyó pacientes entre 1 y 180 meses asistidos por dengue probable o confirmado en un hospital de niños, desde el 01 de enero de 2020 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2020. Resultados. Se incluyeron 85 pacientes por criterios microbiológicos de positividad o clínicoepidemiológicos. Veinticinco (29 %) confirmados por RT-PCR, todos serotipos DENV-1. La mediana de  edad fue de 108 meses (rango intercuartílico: 84-144). Las principales manifestaciones clínicas fueron fiebre, cefalea y mialgias. Los hallazgos de laboratorio más importantes fueron leucopenia, trombocitopenia y elevación de transaminasas. Conclusión. El reconocimiento y la comprensión de las alteraciones clínicas y de laboratorio que se presentan durante la enfermedad pueden permitir un abordaje eficaz y contribuir a la reducción de cuadros clínicos más graves en los niños.

Introduction. Dengue has been the most widespread mosquito-borne disease worldwide in recent years. It develops with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and sometimes progresses to a critical condition known as severe dengue. It is managed with supportive treatment. Available information about its clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics in the pediatric population is limited. Objective. To describe the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of dengue. Population and methods. Descriptive, observational, and retrospective study. It included patients aged 1 to 180 months seen due to probable or confirmed dengue at a children's hospital between 1/1/2020 and 5/31/2020. Results. A total of 85 patients with positive microbiological or clinical-epidemiological criteria were included. Of these, 25 (29%) were confirmed by RT-PCR; all corresponded to DENV-1 serotype. Patients' median age was 108 months (interquartile range: 84­144). The main clinical manifestations were fever, headache, and myalgia. The most important laboratory findings were leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and high transaminase levels. Conclusion. The recognition and understanding of clinical and laboratory alterations that occur during dengue disease may allow an effective approach and help to reduce the more severe clinical form in children.

Observational study of clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of pediatric patients with dengue in the city of Córdoba. / Estudio observacional de las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y de laboratorio en pacientes pediátricos con dengue de la ciudad de Córdoba.

Introduction. Dengue has been the most widespread mosquito-borne disease worldwide in recent years. It develops with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and sometimes progresses to a critical condition known as severe dengue. It is managed with supportive treatment. Available information about its clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics in the pediatric population is limited. Objective. To describe the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of dengue. Population and methods. Descriptive, observational, and retrospective study. It included patients aged 1 to 180 months seen due to probable or confirmed dengue at a children's hospital between 1/1/2020 and 5/31/2020. Results. A total of 85 patients with positive microbiological or clinical-epidemiological criteria were included. Of these, 25 (29%) were confirmed by RT-PCR; all corresponded to DENV-1 serotype. Patients' median age was 108 months (interquartile range: 84-144). The main clinical manifestations were fever, headache, and myalgia. The most important laboratory findings were leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and high transaminase levels. Conclusion. The recognition and understanding of clinical and laboratory alterations that occur during dengue disease may allow an effective approach and help to reduce the more severe clinical form in children.

Introducción. El dengue es la enfermedad transmitida por mosquitos con mayor propagación mundial en los últimos años. Presenta un amplio espectro de manifestaciones clínicas y, en ocasiones, evoluciona a un estado crítico llamado dengue grave. Su tratamiento es de sostén. La información disponible acerca de las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y de laboratorio de la enfermedad en la población pediátrica es limitada. Objetivo. Describir la epidemiología y las manifestaciones clínicas y de laboratorio de la enfermedad. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Incluyó pacientes entre 1 y 180 meses asistidos por dengue probable o confirmado en un hospital de niños, desde el 01 de enero de 2020 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2020.  Resultados. Se incluyeron 85 pacientes por criterios microbiológicos de positividad o clínico-epidemiológicos. Veinticinco (29 %) confirmados por RT-PCR, todos serotipos DENV-1. La mediana de edad fue de 108 meses (rango intercuartílico: 84-144). Las principales manifestaciones clínicas fueron fiebre, cefalea y mialgias. Los hallazgos de laboratorio más importantes fueron leucopenia, trombocitopenia y elevación de transaminasas. Conclusión. El reconocimiento y la comprensión de las alteraciones clínicas y de laboratorio que se presentan durante la enfermedad pueden permitir un abordaje eficaz y contribuir a la reducción de cuadros clínicos más graves en los niños.

The Chikungunya virus: A reemerging cause of acute febrile illness in the high jungle of northern Peru.

BACKGROUND: The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) that causes undifferentiated acute febrile illness. Cases of CHIKV may be under-reported in Peru, given the various difficulties in diagnosing it, such as lack of diagnostic tests in remote areas, the passive nature of epidemiological surveillance, and co-circulation of other arthropod-borne pathogens. Therefore, a study was conducted in the high jungle of northern Peru to determine the prevalence of CHIKV among febrile patients and describe their clinical characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the province of Jaen, Cajamarca, located in the high jungle of northern Peru. Patients attending primary healthcare centers within Cajamarca's Regional Health Directorate were enrolled. The study took place from June 2020 through June 2021. Patients were eligible if they sought outpatient healthcare for a clinical diagnosis of acute febrile illness (AFI). Serum samples were collected from all patients, and the diagnosis of CHIKV was determined using real-time RT-PCR, as well as the detection of IgM antibodies by ELISA. A logistic regression model was employed to identify the risk factors for CHIKV, and the odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: A total of 1 047 patients with AFI were included during the study period. CHIKV was identified in 130 patients of 1 047 (12.4%). Among the CHIKV positive cases, 84 of 130 (64.6%) were diagnosed by RT-PCR, 42 of 130 (32.3%) by IgM ELISA detection, and 4 of 130 (3.1%) by both assays. The majority of patients with CHIKV infection fell within the 18-39 years age group (50.0%), followed by the 40-59 years age group (23.9%) and those with 60 years or older (10.8%). The most common clinical symptoms observed in patients with CHIKV infection were headache (85.4%), myalgias (72.3%), and arthralgias (64.6%). The highest number of positive CHIKV cases occurred in May (23.1%), followed by March (20.0%) and February (13.8%) of 2021. CONCLUSION: The study reports a considerable frequency of CHIKV infections among patients with AFI from the high jungle of northern Peru. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing CHIKV as an ongoing pathogen with continuous transmission in various areas of Peru. It is crucial to enhance epidemiological surveillance by implementing reliable diagnostic techniques, as the clinical symptoms of CHIKV infection can be nonspecific.

Etiology of acute febrile illness in the peruvian amazon as determined by modular formatted quantitative PCR: a protocol for RIVERA, a health facility-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The study of the etiology of acute febrile illness (AFI) has historically been designed as a prevalence of pathogens detected from a case series. This strategy has an inherent unrealistic assumption that all pathogen detection allows for causal attribution, despite known asymptomatic carriage of the principal causes of acute febrile illness in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We designed a semi-quantitative PCR in a modular format to detect bloodborne agents of acute febrile illness that encompassed common etiologies of AFI in the region, etiologies of recent epidemics, etiologies that require an immediate public health response and additional pathogens of unknown endemicity. We then designed a study that would delineate background levels of transmission in the community in the absence of symptoms to provide corrected estimates of attribution for the principal determinants of AFI. METHODS: A case-control study of acute febrile illness in patients ten years or older seeking health care in Iquitos, Loreto, Peru, was planned. Upon enrollment, we will obtain blood, saliva, and mid-turbinate nasal swabs at enrollment with a follow-up visit on day 21-28 following enrollment to attain vital status and convalescent saliva and blood samples, as well as a questionnaire including clinical, socio-demographic, occupational, travel, and animal contact information for each participant. Whole blood samples are to be simultaneously tested for 32 pathogens using TaqMan array cards. Mid-turbinate samples will be tested for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and Influenza B. Conditional logistic regression models will be fitted treating case/control status as the outcome and with pathogen-specific sample positivity as predictors to attain estimates of attributable pathogen fractions for AFI. DISCUSSION: The modular PCR platforms will allow for reporting of all primary results of respiratory samples within 72 h and blood samples within one week, allowing for results to influence local medical practice and enable timely public health responses. The inclusion of controls will allow for a more accurate estimate of the importance of specific prevalent pathogens as a cause of acute illness. STUDY REGISTRATION: Project 1791, Registro de Proyectos de Investigación en Salud Pública (PRISA), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú.

Differences in the Clinical Characteristics of Kawasaki Disease Between Older and Younger Children (2015-2019): A Single-Center, Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in the clinical characteristics of Kawasaki disease between older and younger children. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study examined 405 children with Kawasaki disease admitted to Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital between 2015 and 2019. RESULTS: Eligible patients were classified into the older (≥3.0 years of age, n = 169) and younger (<3.0 years of age, n = 236) groups. Skin rash was found in significantly fewer cases (112 [66.3%] vs 229 [97.0%], P < .001 in the younger group). Cervical lymphadenopathy was more common in older children (153 [90.5%] vs 165 [69.9%], P < .001) and in incomplete Kawasaki disease (3 or 4 findings) (34 [20.1%] vs 25 [10.6%], P = .0078). The diagnosis was more delayed in older children (median: 5.0 days vs 4.0 days, P = .003) than the younger group. Additionally, fever nonresponsive to a single intravenous immunoglobulin was more common, and the duration of fever was significantly longer in the older group (48 [28.4%] vs 47 [19.9%], P = .0479). CONCLUSIONS: Kawasaki disease should be suspected in children aged >3.0 years with cervical lymphadenopathy and fever, despite the absence of skin rash. Additionally, incomplete Kawasaki disease, fever unresolved by a single intravenous immunoglobulin infusion, and the tendency to delay treatment initiation are more common in children aged >3.0 years.

Incorporating COVID-19 into Acute Febrile Illness Surveillance Systems, Belize, Kenya, Ethiopia, Peru, and Liberia, 2020-2021.

Existing acute febrile illness (AFI) surveillance systems can be leveraged to identify and characterize emerging pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated with ministries of health and implementing partners in Belize, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, and Peru to adapt AFI surveillance systems to generate COVID-19 response information. Staff at sentinel sites collected epidemiologic data from persons meeting AFI criteria and specimens for SARS-CoV-2 testing. A total of 5,501 patients with AFI were enrolled during March 2020-October 2021; >69% underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing. Percentage positivity for SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 4% (87/2,151, Kenya) to 19% (22/115, Ethiopia). We show SARS-CoV-2 testing was successfully integrated into AFI surveillance in 5 low- to middle-income countries to detect COVID-19 within AFI care-seeking populations. AFI surveillance systems can be used to build capacity to detect and respond to both emerging and endemic infectious disease threats.

[Monkeypox: Epidemiological surveillance in the Muñiz Outpatient Monitoring Unit, Buenos Aires]. / Viruela símica: Vigilancia epidemiológica en la Unidad de Monitoreo Ambulatorio Muñiz, Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: Monkeypox (SV) is a zoonotic viral disease. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. In 1970 it was detected for the first time in humans, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is currently considered an endemic disease in central and western Africa. It can present with fever, malaise, painful lymphadenopathy and rash, and last between 2 and 4 weeks. It is usually selflimited, although severe cases have been described, mainly in immunocompromised people, with lethality varies between 3% and 6% in endemic countries. The objectives of epidemiological surveillance in suspected cases of SV are: to describe the personal variables, time and place of the reported cases, to track and follow up their contacts, to identify outbreaks and perform clinical epidemiological follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from June 9 to September 15, 2022. RESULTS: 82 patients with compatible symptoms have been treated, 56 cases were positive and 26 negative. Of the 26 negative cases, 7 cases (27%) corresponded to chickenpox, 4 cases (15%) to syphilis, and 2 cases (8%) to herpes zoster. CONCLUSIONS: The first symptoms began two to five days prior to consultation, the most frequent being fever, myalgia, asthenia, headache, and painful lymphadenopathy. Epidemiological surveillance of SV provides timely detection of cases, continuous and systematic follow-up of contacts through an integrated process between surveillance and laboratory, to generate timely, valid and reliable information, which allows guiding prevention and control measures.

Introducción: La viruela símica (VS) es una enfermedad viral zoonótica debida a un virus del género Orthopoxvirus, familia Poxviridae. En 1970 se detectó por primera vez en humanos en la República Democrática del Congo. Actualmente es endémica en áfrica central y occidental. Puede presentarse con fiebre, malestar general, linfo-adenopatías dolorosas y exantema, y durar entre 2 y 4 semanas. Suele ser autolimitada, aunque se han descrito casos graves, principalmente en personas inmunocomprometidas, con una letalidad que varía entre 3% y 6% en países endémicos. Los objetivos de la vigilancia epidemiológica en los casos sospechosos de VS son: describir las variables personales, tiempo y lugar de los casos notificados, realizar un rastreo y seguimiento de sus contactos, identificar brotes y realizar seguimiento clínico epidemiológico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo durante el 9 de junio al 15 de septiembre de 2022. Resultados: Se han atendido 82 pacientes con sintomatología compatible 56 casos fueron positivos y 26 negativos. De los 26 casos negativos, 7 casos (27%) correspondían a varicela, 4 caso s (15%) a sífilis y 2 casos (8%) a herpes zoster. Los primeros síntomas se iniciaron dos a cinco días previos a la consulta, siendo los más frecuentes fiebre, mialgia, astenia, cefalea y linfoadenopatía dolorosa. Conclusiones: La vigilancia epidemiológica de VS permite la detección de casos, el seguimiento continuo y sistemático de los contactos mediante un proceso integrado entre vigilancia y laboratorio, para generar información oportuna, válida y confiable, que permite orientar medidas de prevención y control.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of survivors of SARS-COV-2 infection: A descriptive study. / Características epidemiológicas y clínicas de sobrevivientes a infección por SARS-CoV-2: estudio descriptivo.

Introduction: In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic for coronavirus 19. Typical symptoms were fever, cough, asthenia, dyspnea, and muscle pain. Pulmonary and central nervous system compromise presented challenging characteristics for healthcare physicians. The objectives of this study were to identify epidemiological and clinical characteristics of SARS-COV-2 infection survivors in a region of Argentina and to determine differences between gender, age groups, year of infection, and evolution time since diagnosis. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional observational study was carried out. A self-administered questionnaire was applied, which was available between August and December 2021. Results: Among 1868 individuals included, the mean age was 39.4 ± 13.9 years, and 72.8% were female. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (11.7%). The majority were outpatients (81.9%). The most frequent presentation symptoms at all ages were asthenia (83.7%), fever (54.9%), headache (60.8%), anosmia (64.8%), ageusia (53.2%), cough (54.4%) and myalgias (53.7%). For the 18 to 29 years old age group, the most prevalent presentation symptoms were: headache (69.4%), anosmia (69.1%), ageusia (60.2%), odynophagia (45%), and rhinitis/nasal congestion (46.9%). In the 30 to 64 years old age group, there was a higher prevalence of myalgias (55.8%), arthralgias (41%), and concentration/memory disorder (28.3%). Male showed higher prevalence of fever (64.9% versus 51.1%; p < 0.001) and pneumonia (23.5% versus 13.4%; p < 0.001). After 12 weeks from diagnosis, 38.1% of patients persisted with asthenia, 23.6% with anosmia/dysosmia, and 21.2% with concentration/memory disorders. Conclusions: Systemic symptoms were common to all age groups with coronavirus 19 disease; however, younger, and intermediate age groups presented a higher prevalence of central nervous system symptoms such as anosmia and cognitive disorders, respectively. Symptoms beyond 12 weeks of diagnosis reached slightly more than 10% of the participants.

Introducción: En marzo de 2020 la enfermedad por coronavirus 19 fue declarada pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Los síntomas más comunes fueron fiebre, tos, astenia, disnea y dolor muscular. Los compromisos pulmonar y del sistema nervioso central presentaron características desafiantes para los médicos asistenciales. Los objetivos del estudio fueron conocer las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de sobrevivientes a infección por SARS-CoV-2 en una región de Argentina, y determinar las diferencias entre género, grupos etarias, año de contagio, tiempo de evolución desde el diagnóstico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y analítico de corte transversal. Se aplicó un cuestionario auto administrado, que estuvo disponible entre agosto y diciembre de 2021. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 39,4 ± 13,9 años, el 72,8% fueron mujeres. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue hipertensión arterial (11,7%). La mayoría de los pacientes fueron ambulatorios (81,9%). Los síntomas de presentación más frecuentes a cualquier edad, fueron astenia (83,7%), fiebre (54,9%), cefalea (60,8%), anosmia (64,8%), ageusia (53,2%), tos (54,4%) y mialgias (53,7%). Para el grupo de 18 a 29 años los síntomas de presentación más prevalentes fueron cefalea (69,4%), anosmia 69,1%), ageusia (60,2%), odinofagia (45%) y rinitis/congestión nasal (46,9%). En el grupo de 30 a 64 años se observó mayor prevalencia de mialgias (55,8%), artralgias (41%), falta de concentración/memoria (28,3%). Los hombres mostraron más prevalencia de fiebre (64,9% versus 51,1%; p < 0,001) y neumonía (23,5% versus 13,4%; p < 0,001). Luego de las 12 semanas del diagnóstico 38,1% de los pacientes persistían con astenia, 23,6% con anosmia/disosmia y 21,2% con trastornos de concentración/memoria. Conclusiones: La enfermedad por coronavirus 19 presenta un patrón de síntomas sistémicos común a todos los grupos etarios. No obstante, los grupos más jóvenes presentan más prevalencia de síntomas de afección del sistema nervioso central como la anosmia y los grupos intermedios, mayor prevalencia de trastornos cognitivos. Los síntomas más allá de las 12 semanas del diagnóstico alcanzaron a algo más del 10% de los participantes.

Características epidemiológicas y clínicas de sobrevivientes a infección por SARS-CoV-2: estudio descriptivo / Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of survivors of SARS-COV-2 infection: a descriptive study

INTRODUCCIÓN: En marzo de 2020 la enfermedad por coronavirus 19 fue declarada pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Los síntomas más comunes fueron fiebre, tos, astenia, disnea y dolor muscular. Los compromisos pulmonar y del sistema nervioso central presentaron características desafiantes para los médicos asistenciales. Los objetivos del estudio fueron conocer las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de sobrevivientes a infección por SARS-CoV-2 en una región de Argentina, y determinar las diferencias entre género, grupos etarias, año de contagio, tiempo de evolución desde el diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y analítico de corte transversal. Se aplicó un cuestionario auto administrado, que estuvo disponible entre agosto y diciembre de 2021. RESULTADOS: La media de edad fue de 39,4 ± 13,9 años, el 72,8% fueron mujeres. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue hipertensión arterial (11,7%). La mayoría de los pacientes fueron ambulatorios (81,9%). Los síntomas de presentación más frecuentes a cualquier edad, fueron astenia (83,7%), fiebre (54,9%), cefalea (60,8%), anosmia (64,8%), ageusia (53,2%), tos (54,4%) y mialgias (53,7%). Para el grupo de 18 a 29 años los síntomas de presentación más prevalentes fueron cefalea (69,4%), anosmia 69,1%), ageusia (60,2%), odinofagia (45%) y rinitis/congestión nasal (46,9%). En el grupo de 30 a 64 años se observó mayor prevalencia de mialgias (55,8%), artralgias (41%), falta de concentración/memoria (28,3%). Los hombres mostraron más prevalencia de fiebre (64,9% versus 51,1%; p < 0,001) y neumonía (23,5% versus 13,4%; p < 0,001). Luego de las 12 semanas del diagnóstico 38,1% de los pacientes persistían con astenia, 23,6% con anosmia/disosmia y 21,2% con trastornos de concentración/memoria. CONCLUSIONES: La enfermedad por coronavirus 19 presenta un patrón de síntomas sistémicos común a todos los grupos etarios. No obstante, los grupos más jóvenes presentan más prevalencia de síntomas de afección del sistema nervioso central como la anosmia y los grupos intermedios, mayor prevalencia de trastornos cognitivos. Los síntomas más allá de las 12 semanas del diagnóstico alcanzaron a algo más del 10% de los participantes.

INTRIDUCTION: In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic for coronavirus 19. Typical symptoms were fever, cough, asthenia, dyspnea, and muscle pain. Pulmonary and central nervous system compromise presented challenging characteristics for healthcare physicians. The objectives of this study were to identify epidemiological and clinical characteristics of SARS-COV-2 infection survivors in a region of Argentina and to determine differences between gender, age groups, year of infection, and evolution time since diagnosis. METHODS: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional observational study was carried out. A self-administered questionnaire was applied, which was available between August and December 2021. RESULTS: Among 1868 individuals included, the mean age was 39.4 ± 13.9 years, and 72.8% were female. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (11.7%). The majority were outpatients (81.9%). The most frequent presentation symptoms at all ages were asthenia (83.7%), fever (54.9%), headache (60.8%), anosmia (64.8%), ageusia (53.2%), cough (54.4%) and myalgias (53.7%). For the 18 to 29 years old age group, the most prevalent presentation symptoms were: headache (69.4%), anosmia (69.1%), ageusia (60.2%), odynophagia (45%), and rhinitis/nasal congestion (46.9%). In the 30 to 64 years old age group, there was a higher prevalence of myalgias (55.8%), arthralgias (41%), and concentration/memory disorder (28.3%). Male showed higher prevalence of fever (64.9% versus 51.1%; p < 0.001) and pneumonia (23.5% versus 13.4%; p < 0.001). After 12 weeks from diagnosis, 38.1% of patients persisted with asthenia, 23.6% with anosmia/dysosmia, and 21.2% with concentration/memory disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic symptoms were common to all age groups with coronavirus 19 disease; however, younger, and intermediate age groups presented a higher prevalence of central nervous system symptoms such as anosmia and cognitive disorders, respectively. Symptoms beyond 12 weeks of diagnosis reached slightly more than 10% of the participants.

Rickettsial Infections Causing Acute Febrile Illness in Urban Slums, Brazil.

We conducted enhanced acute febrile illness surveillance in an urban slum community in Salvador, Brazil. We found that rickettsial infection accounted for 3.5% of urgent care visits for acute fever. Our results suggest that rickettsiae might be an underrecognized, treatable cause of acute febrile illness in impoverished urban populations in Brazil.

Etiologies of Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illnesses in and near Iquitos from 1993 to 1999 in the Amazon River Basin of Peru.

The objective of this study was to determine the etiology of febrile illnesses among patients from October 1, 1993 through September 30, 1999, in the urban community of Iquitos in the Amazon River Basin of Peru. Epidemiological and clinical data as well as blood samples were obtained from consenting patients at hospitals, health clinics and private residences. Samples were tested for arboviruses in cell cultures and for IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA. Blood smears were examined for malaria, and sera were tested for antibodies to Leptospira spp. by ELISA and microscopic agglutination. Among 6,607 febrile patients studied, dengue viruses caused 14.6% of the cases, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus caused 2.5%, Oropouche virus 1.0%, Mayaro virus 0.4%, and other arboviruses caused 0.2% of the cases. Also, 22.9% of 4,844 patients tested were positive for malaria, and of 400 samples tested, 9% had evidence of acute leptospirosis. Although the study was not designed to assess the importance of these pathogens as a cause of human morbidity in the total population, these results indicate that arboviruses, leptospirosis, and malaria were the cause of approximately 50% of the febrile cases. Although the arboviruses that were diagnosed can produce asymptomatic infections, our findings increased the overall understanding of the relative health burden of these infections, as well as baseline knowledge needed for designing and implementing further studies to better assess the health impact and threat of these pathogens in the Amazon Basin of Peru.

Oropouche virus infection in patients with acute febrile syndrome: Is a predictive model based solely on signs and symptoms useful?

BACKGROUND: Oropouche fever is an infectious disease caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV). The diagnosis and prediction of the clinical picture continue to be a great challenge for clinicians who manage patients with acute febrile syndrome. Several symptoms have been associated with OROV virus infection in patients with febrile syndrome; however, to date, there is no clinical prediction rule, which is a fundamental tool to help the approach of this infectious disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of a prediction model based solely on signs and symptoms to diagnose Oropouche virus infection in patients with acute febrile syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Validation study, which included 923 patients with acute febrile syndrome registered in the Epidemiological Surveillance database of three arbovirus endemic areas in Peru. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients (19%) were positive for OROV infection in the development group and 23.6% in the validation group. The area under the curve was 0.65 and the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR + and LR- were 78.2%, 35.1%, 27.6%, 83.6%, 1.20 and 0.62, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The development of a clinical prediction model for the diagnosis of Oropouche based solely on signs and symptoms does not work well. This may be due to the fact that the symptoms are nonspecific and related to other arbovirus infections, which confuse and make it difficult to predict the diagnosis, especially in endemic areas of co-infection of these diseases. For this reason, epidemiological surveillance of OROV in various settings using laboratory tests such as PCR is important.

Occult bacteraemia in children with fever without focus though previously vaccinated against pneumococcus.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) have reduced the rate of occult bacteraemia in developed countries. However, reports on the incidence of occult bacteraemia in tropical regions are scarce. The aim of our study was to determine its frequency in children consulting for fever without focus in Colombia after introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. We concluded that in tropical areas, testing for occult bacteraemia should be considered regardless of previous pneumococcal conjugate vaccination status.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents: a Brazilian experience.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of children and adolescents infected with the SARS-CoV-2 in the Municipality of Taubaté, SP, from March to November 2020. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with secondary data obtained from the Epidemiological Surveillance System about confirmed cases in city residents and from medical records of patients who were treated in hospitals in Taubaté, aged between 0 and 19 years. Chi-square and Student's t tests were used for comparisons. RESULTS: 677 cases in the studied age range were reported during the study period, corresponding to 10.1% of cases reported in the municipality. The rapid antibody test was the most used to confirm infection, followed by RT-PCR and serology. Symptoms were described in 57.7% of the cases, mainly fever and cough. Diarrhea was associated with age below 4 years, while fever, cough, headache, odynophagia, ageusia, anosmia, myalgia, and dyspnea were associated with an age ranging from 10 to 19 years. In the study period, there were no deaths from COVID-19 of residents of the municipality in the age group from 0 to 19 years. CONCLUSIONS: The study was able to identify the proportion of involvement of COVID-19 in children and adolescents in the city, and the disease had a mild evolution. The main symptoms were fever and cough, but mainly diarrhea in younger children, and headache, odynophagia, anosmia, ageusia, and myalgia in adolescents.

[Experience in pediatric patients with COVID-19 during the first pandemic wave]. / Características epidemiológicas en pacientes pediátricos con COVID-19 durante la primera ola pandémica.

Coronavirus 2 infection has spread rapidly throughout the world. Most of the current publications describe different behavior between an adult and pediatric population, this last one is associated with less clinical severity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the process of care, the epidemiological and clinical features, the evolution and the use of resources in pediatric patients with SARS-Cov-2 infection, treated during the first pandemic wave, at the beginning of 2020. An observational and retrospective study was carried out in the pediatric population with SARS-CoV-2 infection, treated in a highly complex pediatric hospital from April 1 to August 31, 2020. A total of 333 patients were included, 175 (53%) residents of the Metropolitan area of Buenos Aires (AMBA). The median age was 5.47 years (IQR 1.1-10.9) and 177 (53%) were women. A total of 209 (63%) patients required hospitalization and 152 (46%) had an underlying disease. Most of the patients (n 295, 89%) had mild/asymptomatic disease and the main symptom was fever (N169, 65%). In the univariate analysis, neurological disease (OR 4.5, IC95% 1.9-11, p 0.002), chronic respiratory disease (OR 3.9, IC95% 1.5-10.3, p 0.002) and genetics (OR 11, IC95%3.4-34.4, p < 0.001), as well as neurological symptoms (OR 2.8, IC95%1.1-6.6, p 0.035) and respiratory (OR 20.2, IC95%8.5-48.2, p 0.001) were associated with more severe disease. Active surveillance of pediatric patients with underlying diseases should continue to define the pandemic's impact on this specific population.

La infección por SARS-CoV-2 se ha extendido en todo el mundo. La mayoría de las publicaciones describen un comportamiento diferente entre población adulta y pediátrica, esta última asociada a menor gravedad y morbimortalidad. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar el proceso de atención, las características clínicas epidemiológicas, la evolución y la utilización de recursos en pacientes pediátricos asistidos durante la primera ola pandémica a principio del 2020. Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo y analítico de pacientes pediátricos con infección por SARS-CoV-2, desde el 1 de abril al 31 de agosto del 2020, atendidos en un centro de alta complejidad. Se incluyeron 333 pacientes, 175 (53%) residentes del área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA). La mediana de edad fue de 5.5 años (RIC 1.1-10.9) y 177 (53%) eran mujeres. Requirieron internación 209 (63%) y 152 (46%) tenían enfermedad de base. El 89% (n 295) cursó una enfermedad leve/asintomática y el síntoma predominante fue fiebre (n 169, 65%). En el análisis univariado, la enfermedad neurológica (OR 4.5, IC95% 1.9-11, p 0.002), pulmonar crónica (OR 3.9, IC95%1.5-10.3, p 0.002) y genética (OR 11, IC95%3.4-34.4, p< 0.001), así como los síntomas neurológicos (OR 2.8, IC95%1.1-6.6, p 0.035) y respiratorios (OR 20.2, IC95%8.5-48.2, p 0.001) se asociaron a mayor gravedad. Se deberá continuar con la vigilancia activa de aquellos con enfermedad compleja a fin de determinar los efectos de la pandemia en esta población.

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Dengue Virus Infections Detected through Acute Febrile Illness Surveillance, Belize 2020.

The Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) Surveillance Network in Belize is a country-wide active surveillance program aimed at diagnosing vector-borne, respiratory, and enteric pathogens among patients presenting to 11 participating hospitals and clinics with new onset fever. This study describes the epidemiology of dengue virus (DENV) infections in Belize diagnosed through AFI surveillance in 2020. Of the 894 patients enrolled and PCR-tested for DENV in this period, 44 DENV-positive cases (5%) were identified. All four DENV serotypes were detected, with two cases testing positive for DENV serotype 4, which is the first report of this serotype in Belize since 2004. The majority of DENV cases (66%) were diagnosed in the Belize District, which contains the largest urban center in the country (Belize City). Positive cases were detected between January 2020 and September 2020, with the majority (89%) diagnosed during the dry season between January and April, unlike years prior when cases were more often diagnosed during the wet season. Clinical signs and symptoms varied slightly between DENV serotypes. Active surveillance of DENV among AFI cases provides insight into the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of DENV in Belize. This information is important for informing public health interventions to mitigate DENV transmission.

Vigilancia de enfermedades febriles exantemáticas / Surveillance of febrile diseases

Actualización mundial sobre sarampión a marzo de 2022, y datos en la región de las Américas y en Argentina. Se presentan los datos de casos notificados en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, a la Semana Epidemiológica 12 de 2022, cobertura de vacunación, y acciones de vigilancia epidemiológica.