A people-centered decentralized outreach model toward HCV micro-elimination in hyperendemic areas: COMPACT study in SARS Co-V2 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: Gaps in linkage-to-care remain the barriers toward hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in the directly-acting-antivirals (DAA) era, especially during SARS Co-V2 pandemics. We established an outreach project to target HCV micro-elimination in HCV-hyperendemic villages. METHODS: The COMPACT provided "door-by-door" screening by an "outreach HCV-checkpoint team" and an "outreach HCV-care team" for HCV diagnosis, assessment and DAA therapy in Chidong/Chikan villages between 2019 and 2021. Participants from neighboring villages served as Control group. RESULTS: A total of 5731 adult residents participated in the project. Anti-HCV prevalence rate was 24.0% (886/3684) in Target Group and 9.5% (194/2047) in Control group (P < 0.001). The HCV-viremic rates among anti-HCV-positive subjects were 42.7% and 41.2%, respectively, in Target and Control groups. After COMPACT engagement, 80.4% (304/378) HCV-viremic subjects in the Target group were successfully linked-to-care, and Control group (70% (56/80), P = 0.039). The rates of link-to-treatment and SVR12 were comparable between Target (100% and 97.4%, respectively) and Control (100% and 96.4%) groups. The community effectiveness was 76.4% in the COMPACT campaign, significantly higher in Target group than in Control group (78.3% versus 67.5%, P = 0.039). The community effectiveness decreased significantly during SARS Co-V2 pandemic in Control group (from 81% to 31.8%, P < 0.001), but not in Target group (80.3% vs. 71.6%, P = 0.104). CONCLUSIONS: The outreach door-by-door screen strategy with decentralized onsite treatment programs greatly improved HCV care cascade in HCV-hyperendemic areas, a model for HCV elimination in high-risk marginalized communities in SARS Co-V2 pandemic.

Rinovirus en pandemia. Ciudad de Santa Fe, Argentina. Bienio 2020-2021 / Rhinovirus in pandemic. Santa Fe city, Argentina. Biennium 2020-2021

En el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19, a partir de 2020, la Unidad Centinela de Enfermedades Tipo Influenza (UC-ETI) (Santa Fe, Argentina) integró la vigilancia clínica y por laboratorio de SARS-CoV-2 y rinovirus (HRV) a la habitual vigilancia de influenza y otros virus respiratorios (OVR). El objetivo de este estudio transversal y retrospectivo fue describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de casos de ETI de la ciudad de Santa Fe, con diagnóstico de HRV confirmado durante 2020-2021, en el marco de la UC-ETI. Del total de 600 casos de ETI cuyas muestras fueron analizadas, más del 50,0% fueron mujeres; y la mayor proporción se concentró en el grupo de 15 a 39 años (40,2%). El 33,7% registró al menos una comorbilidad o factor de riesgo, siendo la hipertensión arterial, asma, diabetes, obesidad y EPOC las más frecuentes. Además de fiebre y tos, los signos/síntomas predominantes fueron odinofagia, mialgia y cefalea. El porcentaje de positividad fue de 41,3% en 2020, 27,8% en 2021 y 35,5% en 2020-2021. De las muestras positivas del bienio (213), 59,0% fue SARS-CoV-2, 40,0% HRV y 1,0% OVR. La mayor proporción de diagnósticos positivos de SARS-CoV-2 se concentró en pacientes de 15 años y más, y la de HRV en menores de 15. Los periodos en los que predominó la circulación de HRV no lo hizo la de SARS-CoV-2, y viceversa. El aporte a la carga real de las infecciones virales respiratorias y su impacto en la salud pública destaca la importancia de sostener la vigilancia de HRV

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, the influenza-like illness Sentinel Unit (ILI-SU) (Santa Fe, Argentina), integrated clinical and laboratory surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and Rhinovirus (HRV) to the usual surveillance of Influenza and other respiratory viruses (ORV). The objective of this cross-sectional and retrospective study was to describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of ILI cases of Santa Fe city, who had a confirmed HRV diagnosis during 2020-2021, by the ILI-SU. Of a total of 600 ILI cases whose samples were analyzed, more than 50.0% were women; and the highest proportion was concentrated in the group between 15 and 39 years of age (40.2%). 33.7% of the cases registered at least one comorbidity or risk factor, among which arterial hypertension, asthma, diabetes, obesity and COPD were the most frequent. In addition to fever and cough, the predominant signs/symptoms were sore throat, myalgia and headache. The percentage of positivity was 41.3% in 2020, 27.8% in 2021, and 35.5% in 2020-2021. Of the biennium positive samples (213), 59.0% were SARS-CoV-2, 40.0% HRV, and 1.0% ORV. The highest proportion of SARS-CoV-2 positive diagnoses were concentrated in patients 15 years of age and older, while the highest proportion of HRV positive diagnoses were concentrated in patients under 15 years of age. The periods in which the circulation of HRV predominated did not predominated SARS-CoV-2, and vice versa. The contribution to the real burden of respiratory viral infections and its impact on public health, highlight the importance of sustaining HRV surveillance

Long-term effect of childhood pandemic experience on medical major choice: Evidence from the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in China.

This study examines the long-term effect of a pandemic on a crucial human capital decision, namely college major choice. Using China's 2008-2016 major-level National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) entry grades, we find that the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) had a substantial deterrent effect on the choice of majoring in medicine among high school graduates who experienced the pandemic in their childhood. In provinces with larger intensities of SARS impact, medical majors become less popular as the average Gaokao grades of enrolled students decline. Further evidence from a nationally representative survey shows that the intensity of the SARS impact significantly decreases children's aspirations to pursue medical occupations, but does not affect their parents' expectations for their children to enter the medical profession. Our discussion on the effect mechanism suggests that the adverse influence of SARS on the popularity of medical majors likely originates from students' childhood experiences.

Vigilância epidemiológica hospitalar de Goiás: 1ª coletânea de boletins dos núcleos hospitalares de epidemiologia / Hospital epidemiological surveillance in Goiás: 1st collection of bulletins from hospital epidemiology centers

Coletânea de 13 boletins publicados no site da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Goiás, que se destacaram por descrever o perfil de morbimortalidade da unidade e apresentar temas relevantes para a população do Estado de Goiás. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, realizado com dados do período de janeiro a março de 2023, com informações provenientes das declarações de óbitos e prontuário eletrônico do paciente

Collection of 13 bulletins published on the Goiás State Department of Health website, which stood out for describing the unit's morbidity and mortality profile and presenting relevant themes for the population of the State of Goiás. This is a descriptive study, carried out with data from January to March 2023, with information from death certificates and the patient's electronic medical record

Boletim epidemiológico: perfil epidemiológico dos casos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave notificados no Centro Estadual de Reabilitação e Readaptação Dr. Henrique Santillo - CRER, janeiro a setembro/2023 / Epidemiological bulletin: epidemiological profile of cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome reported at the State Center for Rehabilitation and Readaptation Dr. Henrique Santillo - CRER, January to September/2023

Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo retrospectivo, realizado a partir dos casos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave notificados em um hospital de referência em reabilitação do Estado de Goiás no período de janeiro a setembro de 2023. Os dados utilizados foram extraídos do SIVEP - Gripe (Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe), que integra a base dos sistemas de informação do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS)

This is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological study, carried out based on cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome reported in a reference hospital for rehabilitation in the State of Goiás from January to September 2023. The data used were extracted from SIVEP - Gripe (Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System), which forms part of the information systems base of the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS)

Gender-based incidence, recovery period, and mortality rate of COVID-19 among the population of district Attock, Pakistan / Incidência baseada em gênero, período de recuperação e taxa de mortalidade de COVID-19 entre a população do distrito de Attock, Paquistão

COVID-19 is reported as an extremely contagious disease with common symptoms of fever, dry cough, sore throat, and tiredness. The published literature on incidence and gender-wise prevalence of COVID-19 is scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare the distribution, incubation period and mortality rate of COVID-19 among the male and female population of district Attock. The data were collected between 01 April 2020 and 07 December 2020 from the population of district Attock, Pakistan. A total of 22,962 individuals were screened and 843 were found positive for RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2. The confirmed positive cases were monitored carefully. Among the positive cases, the incidence of COVID-19 was 61.7% among males and 38.2% among females. The average recovery period of males was 18.89±7.75 days and females were 19±8.40 days from SARS-CoV-2. The overall mortality rate was 8.06%. The death rate of male patients was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to female patients. Also, the mortality rate was higher (P<0.05) in male patients of 40-60 years of age compared to female patients of the same age group. Moreover, the mortality rate significantly increased (P<0.05) with the increase of age irrespective of gender. In conclusion, the incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 is higher in males compared to the female population. Moreover, irrespective of gender the mortality rate was significantly lower among patients aged <40 years.

Covid-19 é relatada como uma doença extremamente contagiosa com sintomas comuns de febre, tosse seca, dor de garganta e cansaço. A literatura publicada sobre incidência e prevalência de Covid-19 com base no gênero é escassa no Paquistão. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar a distribuição, o período de incubação e a taxa de mortalidade de Covid-19 entre a população masculina e feminina do distrito de Attock. Os dados foram coletados entre 1 de abril de 2020 e 7 de dezembro de 2020 da população do distrito de Attock, Paquistão. Um total de 22.962 indivíduos foi selecionado, e 843 foram considerados positivos para RT-qPCR para SARS-CoV-2. Os casos positivos confirmados foram monitorados cuidadosamente. Entre os casos positivos, a incidência de Covid-19 foi de 61,7% no sexo masculino e 38,2% no feminino. O período médio de recuperação dos homens foi de 18,89 ± 7,75 dias e das mulheres 19 ± 8,40 dias do SARS-CoV-2. A mortalidade geral foi de 8,06%. A taxa de mortalidade de pacientes do sexo masculino foi significativamente maior (P < 0,05) em comparação com pacientes do sexo feminino. Além disso, a taxa de mortalidade foi maior (P < 0,05) em pacientes do sexo masculino com 40-60 anos de idade em comparação com pacientes do sexo feminino da mesma faixa etária. Além disso, a taxa de mortalidade aumentou significativamente (P < 0,05) com o aumento da idade, independentemente do sexo. Em conclusão, a incidência e a taxa de mortalidade de Covid-19 são maiores no sexo masculino em comparação com a população feminina. E também, independentemente do sexo, a taxa de mortalidade foi significativamente menor entre os pacientes com idade < 40 anos.

Factors associated with death due to severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by influenza: Brazilian population study.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza infection is characterized by acute viral infection of high transmissibility. Worsening of the case can lead to the need for hospitalization, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and even death. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional population-based study that used secondary database from the Brazilian Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System. Only cases of adults with diagnosis of influenza by RT-PCR and case evolution recorded were included. RESULTS: We identified 2273 adults with SARS by influenza, 343 of which had death as an outcome. The main risk factors for death were lack of hospitalization, not having cough and age, both with p < 0.001. In addition, without asthma, having black skin color, not receiving flu vaccine, having brown skin color and not having a sore throat (p ≤ 0.005) were risk factors too. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with death due to SARS caused by influenza in Brazil, risk factors and protective factors to death were identified. It was evident that those who did not receive the flu vaccine presented twice the risk of unfavorable outcome, reinforcing the need to stimulate adherence to vaccination adhering and propose changes in public policies to make influenza vaccines available to the entire population, in order to prevent severe cases and unfavorable outcomes.

The Economic Impact of the SARS Epidemic with Related Interventions in China.

Epidemics represent a threat to human life and economy. Meanwhile, medical and non-medical approaches to fight against them may result in additional economic shocks. In this paper, we examine the economic impact of the 2003 SARS outbreak in China and associated government policies. Although the epidemic caused a substantial economic loss in the short term, the interventions for medical purposes positively impacted the economy of the severely affected regions through the increase in investments such as other fiscal stimuli. There is strong and robust evidence suggesting that the SARS epidemic and its associated countermeasure policies boosted local output by around 4% and industrial production by around 5%. The positive growth was mainly derived from the increase in investment and government activity, especially government expenditure. Besides that, lagged impacts were particularly pronounced to the economic system and lasted for longer even than the epidemic period in a biological sense. We attribute this to the relatively aggressive stance of policymakers in the face of the epidemic situation.

Climate Change and Respiratory Diseases: Relationship between SARS and Climatic Parameters and Impact of Climate Change on the Geographical Distribution of SARS in Iran.

Climate change affects human health, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) incidence is one of the health impacts of climate change. This study is a retrospective cohort study. Data have been collected from the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education between 17 February 2016 and17 February 2018. The Neural Network Model has been used to predict SARS infection. Based on the results of the multivariate Poisson regression and the analysis of the coexistence of the variables, the minimum daily temperature was positively associated with the risk of SARS in men and women. The risk of SARS has increased in women and men with increasing daily rainfall. According to the result, by changes in bioclimatic parameters, the number of SARS patients will be increased in cities of Iran. Our study has shown a significant relationship between SARS and the climatic variables by the type of climate and gender. The estimates suggest that hospital admissions for climate-related respiratory diseases in Iran will increase by 36% from 2020 to 2050. This study demonstrates one of the health impacts of climate change. Policymakers can control the risks of climate change by mitigation and adaptation strategists.

Profile of patients hospitalized by COVID-19: the importance of hospital epidemiological surveillance / Perfil dos pacientes internados por COVID-19: a importância da vigilância epidemiológica hospitalar / Perfil de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19: la importancia de la vigilancia epidemiológica hospitalaria

Rationale: Since December 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-Cov-2, also called COVID-19, has spread rapidly across countries, making it one of the biggest health challenges of this century. In Brazil, it was declared a public health emergency in March 2020. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of patients hospitalized by COVID-19 in an emergency hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, as well as the factors associated with in-hospital death. Methods: Retrospective observational study, which included patients hospitalized between March and December 2020 with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects were extracted from the epidemiological investigation files and the hospital chart. Results: 582 suspected cases of COVID-19 were hospitalized and 317 were confirmed, of which 182 (57.5%) were male, and most were residents in the north of Rio de Janeiro (42.5%). Main tomographic or radiological findings: ground glass (34.7%) and pulmonary infiltrate (15.4%), and more than half of those hospitalized (64.0%) had at least one comorbidity. Among hospitalized patients, the overall lethality was 53.6%, and among those admitted to the ICU, this percentage was 84.5%. Age and use of ventilatory support and ICU were the variables that showed a statistically significant association with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of epidemiological surveillance, in a hospital setting, especially for diseases in which the passive surveillance system may not be able to adequately report, as in the case of COVID-19.(AU)

Justificativa: Desde dezembro de 2019, o novo coronavírus SARS-Cov-2, também chamado COVID-19, tem se espalhado rapidamente pelos países, tornando-se um dos maiores desafios sanitários deste século. No Brasil, ele foi declarado como una emergência de saúde pública em março de 2020. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil dos pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 em um hospital de emergência no município de Rio de Janeiro, bem como os fatores associados ao óbito hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo, que incluiu pacientes internados entre março e dezembro de 2020 com um diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. Os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, e laboratoriais foram extraídos das fichas de investigação epidemiológica e do prontuário hospitalar. Resultados: Foram internados 582 casos suspeitos de COVID-19 e 317 foram confirmados, dos quais 182 (57,5%) eram do sexo masculino, e a maioria era residente na zona norte do Rio de Janeiro (42,5%). Principais achados 'tomográficos ou radiológicos': vidro fosco (34,7%) e infiltrado pulmonar (15,4%), e mais da metade dos hospitalizados (64,0%) apresentava pelo menos uma comorbidade. Entre os pacientes hospitalizados, a letalidade geral foi de 53,6% sendo que entre os internados na UTI esse percentual foi de 84,5%. Idade e uso de suporte ventilatório e UTI foram as variáveis que mostraram associação estatisticamente significante com mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Conclusão: Este estudo reforça a importância da vigilância epidemiológica, em âmbito hospitalar, principalmente para as doenças em que o sistema de vigilância passivo pode não ser capaz de reportar adequadamente, como no caso da COVID-19.(AU)

Justificación: Desde diciembre de 2019, el coronavirus SARS-Cov-2, también llamado COVID-19, se ha extendido rápidamente por los países, convirtiéndose en uno de los mayores retos sanitarios de este siglo. En Brasil, se declaró una emergencia de salud pública en febrero de 2020. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el perfil de los casos hospitalizados por COVID-19 en un hospital de urgencias de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, así como los factores asociados a la muerte hospitalaria. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, que incluyó pacientes hospitalizados entre marzo y diciembre de 2020 con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. Los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y de laboratorio fueron extraídos del formulario de investigación epidemiológica y de los registros hospitalarios. Resultados: Se hospitalizaron 582 casos sospechosos de COVID-19 y se confirmaron 317, de los cuales 203 (57,5%) eran hombres, la mayoría residentes en el norte de Río de Janeiro (42,5%). Los principales hallazgos tomográficos o radiológicos: vidrio deslustrado (34,7%) e infiltrado pulmonar (15,4%) y más de la mitad de los hospitalizados (64%) tenían al menos 1 comorbilidad. La letalidad global entre los hospitalizados fue del 53,6% y entre los ingresados en la UCI, este porcentaje fue del 84,5%. Las variables que mostraron una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la mortalidad intrahospitalaria fueron la edad, el uso de soporte ventilatorio y el uso de la UCI. Conclusiones: El estudio refuerza la importancia de la vigilancia epidemiológica en el ámbito hospitalario, especialmente para aquellas enfermedades en las que el sistema de vigilancia pasiva puede no informar adecuadamente, como es el caso de la COVID-19.(AU)

Un desafío sanitario en la gestión del servicio de medicina crítica de un hospital del Ecuador: Vivencias en la pandemia COVID-19 / A health challenge in the management of the critical medicine service of a hospital in Ecuador: Experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic

El SARS COV 2, tomó por sorpresa al mundo, con impacto en el sector salud, generándose una gran crisis sanitaria, golpeados por escasez de insumos, de equipos, de personal y capacidad instalada insuficiente para la atención de la contigencia. Ademas, la infodemia, el pánico y el miedo con sus respectivas consecuencias, se empodero de la sociedad civil, situación que no es ajena a sector salud, por ello, este relato de experiencia tuvo objetivo describir la gestión del servicio de medicina crítica de un hospital de Guayaquil- Ecuador durante la pandemia por el Coronavirus. En los centros asitenciales, el personal se enfrenta all desafío sanitario, principalmente en la gestión del servicio de medicina crítica. Al ser nombrado hospital centinela, con una capacidad instadala redujo de 494 a 200 camas, y se creó además el área de hospitalización de infectología; La interrelación de profesionales de la enfermería, médicos infectólogos, médicos neumólogos, servicios de terapia física y rehabilitación, servicios de nutrición, y los terapistas respiratorios, fue fundamental para afrontar la crisis, para vela por el bienestar del paciente, no solo en la parte física, sino psicología y de humanización. No obtante, el miedo a lo desconocido inherente a la especie humana, se transforma en pánico ante esta enfermedad provocando emociones, sentimientos, vivencias exacerbadas, y la inseguridad y desconfianza en que el sistema sanitario(AU)

SARS COV 2 took the world by surprise, with an impact on the health sector, generating a major health crisis, hit by a shortage of supplies, equipment, personnel and insufficient installed capacity for contingency care. In addition, the infodemic, panic and fear with their respective consequences, empowered civil society, a situation that is not unrelated to the health sector, therefore, this experience report aimed to describe the management of the critical medicine service of a Guayaquil-Ecuador hospital during the Coronavirus pandemic. In care centers, the staff faces the health challenge, mainly in the management of the critical medicine service. Being named a sentinel hospital, with an installed capacity it was reduced from 494 to 200 beds, and the infectious disease hospitalization area was also created; The interrelation of nursing professionals, infectious disease doctors, pulmonologists, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, nutrition services, and respiratory therapists, was essential to face the crisis, to ensure the well-being of the patient, not only in the physics, but psychology and humanization. However, the fear of the unknown inherent in the human species is transformed into panic in the face of this disease, causing emotions, feelings, exacerbated experiences, and insecurity and distrust in the health system(Au)

Síndrome respiratória aguda grave por covid-19: perfil epidemiológico em gestantes e puérperas no Amazonas / Severe acute respiratory syndrome by covid-19: epidemiological profile in pregnant and postpartum women in the state of Amazonas

Objetivos: descrever o perfil epidemiológico de gestantes e puérperas com Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG) por COVID-19 no Amazonas. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal que extraiu dados de gestantes e puérperas residentes no estado do Amazonas que foram notificadas no Sistema de Informação da Vi-gilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe) e tiveram diagnóstico confirmado de SRAG por COVID-19 de 16 de fevereiro de 2020 a 31 de dezembro de 2021. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e características clínicas como internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, uso de suporte ventilatório, uso de terapia antiviral e desfechos. Os dados foram analisados e apresentados em frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados e Discussão: duran-te o período pesquisado, o Amazonas registrou 828 casos de SRAG por COVID-19 em gestantes e puérperas. Des-tes, 58 casos permaneciam em andamento, sem desfecho. A maioria das mulheres tinha idade entre 20 e 34 anos, cor parda, ensino médio, residiam em zona urbana e estavam no terceiro trimestre da gestação no momento do diagnóstico. Em relação às manifestações clínicas, houve predominância de tosse, desconforto respiratório, febre e dispneia. As comorbidades mais frequentes foram asma, doença cardiovascular crônica, diabetes mellitus e obe-sidade. Em relação aos dados clínicos, 19,7% das gestantes e puérperas foram internadas em UTI. Destas, 70,6% utilizaram ventilação mecânica invasiva, 80,2% fizeram uso de terapia antiviral e 79 (10,3%) evoluíram para óbito. Conclusão: o estudo permitiu a caracterização do perfil epidemiológico de gestantes e puérperas com SRAG por COVID-19 no Amazonas e demonstrou taxa elevada de óbito no período estudado, sobretudo na capital. Esse perfil pode ter relação com os determinantes sociais da saúde e as dificuldades de acesso aos serviços de saúde podem ter papel fundamental na assistência. Com isso, o atendimento às gestantes e puérperas com SRAG por COVID-19 deve ser prioridade nos serviços de saúde, principalmente nos casos em que as pacientes possuem comorbidades (AU)

Objectives: To describe the epidemiological profile of pregnant and postpartum women with severe acute res-piratory syndrome (SARS) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) in Amazonas. Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study extracted data from pregnant and postpartum women residing in the state of Amazonas who were notified in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe) and had a confirmed diagnosis of SARS during corona virus disease (COVID-19) from February 16, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics, such as admission to the intensive care unit, use of ventilatory support, use of antiviral therapy, and outcomes were collected. Data were analyzed and presented with relative frequencies. Results and Discussion: During the study period, Amazonas recorded 828 cases of SARS caused by SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant and postpartum women. Of these, 58 patients remained in progress with no outcomes. Most women were aged between 20 and 34 years, educated to high school level, lived in urban areas, and were in the third trimester of pregnancy at the time of diagnosis. Predominant clinical manifes-tation was cough, respiratory distress, fever, and dyspnea. The most frequent comorbidities were asthma, chronic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. 19.7% of pregnant and postpartum women were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Of these, 70.6% needed invasive mechanical ventilation, 80.2% antiviral therapy, and 79 patients (10.3%) died. Conclusion: This study characterized the epidemiological profile of pregnant and postpartum women with SARS caused by SARS-CoV-2 in Amazonas and showed a high death rate during the study period, especially in the capital (AU)

When Corona Came to Canada: The 2003 SARS Outbreak and Its Aftermath.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was the first pandemic of the 21st century, and Canada was the only Western nation to experience an outbreak. The effects of the outbreak on Canadian society provide a window to understanding responses to future pandemics. Over the short run, SARS had a major effect on the Canadian economy: adverse effects were experienced by health-care workers, who were at greatest risk of contracting the disease; by workers in the hospitality industry, who lost income as tourism and travel ground to a halt; and by the Chinese-Canadian community, who experienced discrimination because of the Chinese origins of SARS. However, over the long term there were few consequences of the outbreak in Canada, whether in the social, economic, or political domains. The principal effects were improvements in the Canadian public health system, many of which were rolled back after a decade without a major epidemic.

Neurocognitive Outcome Following Recovery from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1).

OBJECTIVE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness associated with hypoxia and dyspnea. Many of those who contracted and recovered from SARS during the 2002-2003 outbreak reported persistent physical, psychological, and cognitive difficulties. Here, we investigated the residual influences of SARS on cognition for a subset of healthcare professionals who recovered and were referred for neuropsychological evaluation through their workplace insurance. METHOD: Twenty-eight healthcare professionals were evaluated on neuropsychological and mood functioning approximately 1.5 years post-recovery from a severe respiratory illness. Test scores were compared with age-matched normative data, and correlations were examined between mood, self-report memory scales, subjective complaints (e.g., poor concentration, pain, fatigue), illness severity (i.e., length of hospitalization, oxygen use during hospital stay), and cognitive performance. RESULTS: Participants performed within age expectations on the majority of cognitive measures including overall memory ability. Although processing speed was generally within normal limits, 43% showed significant speed-accuracy trade-offs favoring accuracy over maintaining speed. Deficits were observed on measures of complex attention, such as working memory and the ability to sustain attention under conditions of distraction. Participants endorsed poorer memory ability than same-age peers on a meta-memory measure and mild to moderate depression and anxiety symptoms. Objective test performance was largely uncorrelated with self-reports, mood, or illness severity, except for moderate correlations between complex attention and participants' subjective ratings of Everyday Task-Oriented Memory. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate specific long-term cognitive deficits associated with SARS and provide further evidence of the cognitive effects of hypoxic illnesses.

The association between the community SARS exposure and allostatic load among Chinese older adults.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have found that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was associated with the physical and psychological stress of those infected. However, research is sparse regarding the long-term health consequence of community SARS exposure for older adults. METHODS: Using data from the 2011 and 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we estimated multilevel regression models of allostatic load (AL) in the years after the SARS epidemic among 7735 respondents. Interaction terms between SARS epidemic exposure and social participation or community environment were included to examine potential effects. RESULTS: We found that community SARS exposure was associated with greater AL for those who had no social participation. Among those who were in worse community environment, community SARS exposure was strongly related to elevated load in the cardiovascular system. However, for those had social participation and lived in better community environment, community SARS exposure manifested no association with AL years later. Active social participation and better community environment could offset the negative association between SARS exposure and AL. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings helped determine the positive direction of future social efforts and policy decisions to guide the global recovery from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.