Seroprevalence, Prevalence, and Genomic Surveillance: Monitoring the Initial Phases of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Betim, Brazil.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented need for epidemiological monitoring using diverse strategies. We conducted a project combining prevalence, seroprevalence, and genomic surveillance approaches to describe the initial pandemic stages in Betim City, Brazil. We collected 3239 subjects in a population-based age-, sex- and neighborhood-stratified, household, prospective; cross-sectional study divided into three surveys 21 days apart sampling the same geographical area. In the first survey, overall prevalence (participants positive in serological or molecular tests) reached 0.46% (90% CI 0.12-0.80%), followed by 2.69% (90% CI 1.88-3.49%) in the second survey and 6.67% (90% CI 5.42-7.92%) in the third. The underreporting reached 11, 19.6, and 20.4 times in each survey. We observed increased odds to test positive in females compared to males (OR 1.88 95% CI 1.25-2.82), while the single best predictor for positivity was ageusia/anosmia (OR 8.12, 95% CI 4.72-13.98). Thirty-five SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced, of which 18 were classified as lineage B.1.1.28, while 17 were B.1.1.33. Multiple independent viral introductions were observed. Integration of multiple epidemiological strategies was able to adequately describe COVID-19 dispersion in the city. Presented results have helped local government authorities to guide pandemic management.

Violence against adolescents in Brazilian capitals based on a survey conducted at emergency services. / Violências contra adolescentes nas capitais brasileiras, segundo inquérito em serviços de urgência.

This study explored the characteristics of violence against adolescents who received treatment at urgent and emergency care centers participating in the 2014 Violence and Accident Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância de Violências e Acidentes, VIVA) survey and determined the association between demographic variables and the characteristics of violent events. The sample was composed of 815 adolescents who responded to the 2014 VIVA survey. Correspondence analysis was used to determine possible associations between the variables. Victims were predominantly males and the most common form of aggression was the use of firearms and sharp objects. Among males aged between 15 and 19 years, violent acts were predominantly committed in public thoroughfares and by strangers, and the most common injuries consisted of fractures and cuts, while among younger adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years the most common form of aggression was threats made by friends at school. The most common place of occurrence among females was the home. It is concluded that violence against adolescents permeates the chief agencies of socialization - the family and school - demonstrating the need to mobilize the whole society in tackling this problem.

Violências contra adolescentes nas capitais brasileiras, segundo inquérito em serviços de urgência / Violence against adolescents in Brazilian capitals based on a survey conducted at emergency services

Resumo No estudo descrevem-se as características das violências praticadas contra os adolescentes atendidos em serviços de urgência e emergência participantes do inquérito Vigilância de Violências e Acidentes (VIVA), em 2014, e analisar possíveis associações entre as variáveis. Foram analisados dados de 815 adolescentes na amostra e utilizada a análise de correspondência, que consiste em análise exploratória, visando identificar variáveis associadas de forma simultânea à violência contra eles. A agressão praticada contra os adolescentes teve como vítimas mais frequentes o sexo masculino, o meio de agressão utilizado foi a arma de fogo e objeto pérfuro cortante. Na faixa etária de 15 a 19 anos, predominaram as ocorrências praticadas nas vias públicas, por agressores desconhecidos e predominaram lesões como fraturas e cortes. Entre as vítimas entre 10 e 14 anos, o local de ocorrência foi a escola e o agressor foi o amigo, por meio de ameaças. Entre as vítimas do sexo feminino, as ocorrências foram mais frequentes na residência. Conclui-se que a violência envolvendo adolescentes perpassa as mais importantes instituições socializadoras: a família, a escola, apontando a necessidade de mobilizar toda a sociedade na perspectiva do seu enfrentamento.

Abstract This study explored the characteristics of violence against adolescents who received treatment at urgent and emergency care centers participating in the 2014 Violence and Accident Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância de Violências e Acidentes, VIVA) survey and determined the association between demographic variables and the characteristics of violent events. The sample was composed of 815 adolescents who responded to the 2014 VIVA survey. Correspondence analysis was used to determine possible associations between the variables. Victims were predominantly males and the most common form of aggression was the use of firearms and sharp objects. Among males aged between 15 and 19 years, violent acts were predominantly committed in public thoroughfares and by strangers, and the most common injuries consisted of fractures and cuts, while among younger adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years the most common form of aggression was threats made by friends at school. The most common place of occurrence among females was the home. It is concluded that violence against adolescents permeates the chief agencies of socialization - the family and school - demonstrating the need to mobilize the whole society in tackling this problem.