Liderazgo de servicio como predictor del rendimiento laboral en colaboradores municipales de la provincia de San Martín, en el contexto de COVID-19 / Service leadership and work performance: an analysis from the perception of public sector employees in the context of COVID-19

Objetivo: La investigación buscó analizar si el liderazgo de servicio predice el rendimiento laboral en los colaboradores municipales de la provincia de San Martín en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Material y Métodos: El diseño es no experimental de corte transversal y de tipo predictivo. Se analizaron los datos de 424 trabajadores municipales de los distritos: Morales, Tarapoto y la Banda de Shilcayo, con edades entre 20 y 65 años y de ambos sexos. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: La Escala de Liderazgo de Servicio (ELSVA), creada por Dennis, Winston, Page, and Wong (2003) y la Escala de Rendimiento Laboral Individual, creada por Koopmans et al. (2014), ambas escalas validadas por Gabini and Salessi (2016). Resultados y conclusión: Los coeficientes β indican que el liderazgo (variable predictora) predijo significativamente el rendimiento laboral (β =, 512, p < .01); se infiere que las cualidades del liderazgo de servicio de los colaboradores pronostican la eficacia de los trabajadores en sus respectivos puestos. (AU)

Objective: This study sought to analyze whether service leadership predicts work performance on municipal employees in the province of San Martín - Peru, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: The design is non-experimental, cross-sectional, and predictive. We analyzed data of 424 municipal employees from the districts: Morales, Tarapoto, and Banda Shilcayo, aged between 20 and 65 years, of both sexes. The instruments used were: Service Leadership Scale (ELSVA), created by Dennis, Winston, Page, and Wong (2003); and Individual Work Performance Scale, created by Koopmans et al. (2014), both scales validated by Gabini and Salessi (2016). Results and conclusion: The β coefficients indicate that leadership (predictor variable) significantly predicted work performance (β =, 512, p < .01); it is inferred that service leadership qualities of employees predict the effectiveness of workers in their respective job positions. (AU)

Regional Update, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses. Epidemiological Week 9 (10 March 2023)

[WEEKLY SUMMARY]. North America: Influenza virus activity decreased throughout the sub-region, with the predominance of influenza A(H3N2)pdm09. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and B/Victoria co-circulated. SARS-CoV-2 circulates at moderate levels, and RSV activity was low. In Canada, influenza activity was low, with influenza B virus predominance. In Mexico, influenza activity decreased, while SARS-CoV-2 and RSV activity remained elevated. In the United States, influenza and RSV activity were low, while SARS-CoV-2 activity remained moderate. Caribbean: Influenza activity remains increased, although showing a decreasing trend, with A(H1N1)pdm09 predominance and A(H3N2) and B/Victoria co-circulation. Belize and Haiti reported increased influenza activity, with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 predominance. Likewise, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint-Martin reported increased influenza activity in the French Territories. SARS-CoV-2 activity was low in the subregion, except in Jamaica and Suriname, where it was raised. Jamaica reported increased RSV activity; elsewhere in the subregion, RSV activity was low. Central America: Influenza activity was moderate, with influenza B/Victoria virus predominance. Influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09 co-circulated. Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama reported increased influenza activity. SARS-CoV-2 percent positivity decreased in the subregion, except in Costa Rica. RSV activity was low overall. Andean: Influenza activity was low, predominating influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses; influenza B/Victoria and A(H3N2) viruses co‑circulated. Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela reported increased influenza activity. In Bolivia, SARI cases / 100 hospitalizations were at moderate levels, and 22% tested positive for influenza. SARS‑CoV-2 and RSV activity were low overall. Brazil and Southern Cone: Influenza activity was at interseason levels; influenza B/Victoria viruses were detected more frequently with A(H1N1)pdm09 co-circulation. Paraguay reported increased influenza B (lineage not performed) activity at low-intensity levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity was low overall, but Brazil and Chile reported increased activity. RSV activity was low in the subregion, except in Brazil, where high levels were registered. Avian Influenza: A summary of the avian influenza situation in the region, case management and recommendations are available at Epidemiological alerts and updates | PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization (paho.org)

[RESUMEN SEMANAL]. América del Norte: la actividad del virus de la influenza disminuyó en toda la subregión, con predominio de influenza A(H3N2)pdm09. Circularon concurrentemente los virus influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 y B/Victoria. El SARS-CoV-2 circuló en niveles moderados y la actividad del VRS estuvo baja. En Canadá, la actividad de la influenza estuvo baja, con predominio del virus influenza B. En México, la actividad de la influenza disminuyó, mientras que la del SARS-CoV‑2 y del VRS permaneció elevada. En los Estados Unidos, la actividad de la influenza y del VRS estuvo baja, mientras que la del SARS-CoV-2 se mantuvo moderada. Caribe: la actividad de la influenza permaneció aumentada, aunque muestra una tendencia decreciente, con predominio de A(H1N1)pdm09 y circulación concurrente de A(H3N2) y B/Victoria. Belice y Haití reportaron un aumento de la actividad de la influenza, con predominio de influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Asimismo, Guadalupe, Martinica y San Martín notificaron un aumento de la actividad de la influenza en los territorios franceses. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 estuvo baja en la subregión, excepto en Jamaica y Surinam, donde se elevó. Jamaica notificó un aumento de la actividad del VRS; en el resto de la subregión, la actividad del VRS estuvo baja. América Central: la actividad de la influenza estuvo moderada, con predominio de influenza B/Victoria. Circularon concurrentemente los virus influenza A(H3N2) y A(H1N1)pdm09. Guatemala, Honduras y Panamá reportaron un aumento de la actividad de la influenza. El porcentaje de positividad de SARS-CoV-2 disminuyó en la subregión, excepto en Costa Rica. La actividad del VRS estuvo baja en general. Países Andinos: la actividad de influenza estuvo baja, con predominio de los virus influenza A(H1N1)pdm09; circularon concurrentemente los virus influenza B/Victoria y A(H3N2). Bolivia, Ecuador y Venezuela reportaron un aumento de la actividad de la influenza. En Bolivia el número de casos de IRAG por cada 100 hospitalizaciones estuvo en niveles moderados, y el 22% resultaron positivos para influenza. La actividad de SARS-CoV-2 y del VRS estuvo baja en general. Brasil y Cono Sur: la actividad de la influenza estuvo en niveles entre temporadas; los virus influenza B/Victoria se detectaron con mayor frecuencia con la circulación concurrente de A(H1N1)pdm09. Paraguay notificó un aumento de la actividad de la influenza B (linaje indeterminado) a niveles de baja intensidad. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 estuvo baja en general, pero Brasil y Chile reportaron una mayor actividad. La actividad del VRS estuvo baja en la subregión, excepto en Brasil, donde se registraron niveles altos. Influenza Aviar: el resumen sobre la situación epidemiológica de influenza aviar en la región, manejo de los casos y recomendaciones se encuentran disponibles en Alertas y actualizaciones epidemiológicas | OPS/OMS | Organización Panamericana de la Salud (paho.org)

Annual Report 2021. Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba: Responding to COVID-19 and Preparing for the Future

In 2022 the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is celebrating its 120th anniversary. Operating as the independent specialized health agency of the inter-American system, PAHO provides technical cooperation to its Member States to address communicable and noncommunicable diseases and their causes, strengthen health systems, and respond to emergencies and disasters throughout the Americas. In addition, in its capacity as the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Americas, PAHO participates in the United Nations Country Team, collaborating with other United Nations agencies, funds, and programs to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at country level. At the subregional level, PAHO works with integration mechanisms to position health and its determinants on the political agenda. The 2021 Country Annual Reports reflect PAHO’s technical cooperation in countries and territories in implementing the Country Cooperation Strategies, responding to their needs and priorities, and operating within the framework of PAHO’s regional and global mandates and the SDGs. Under the overarching theme of Responding to COVID-19 and Preparing for the Future, they highlight PAHO’s actions on the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing efforts in priority areas such as health emergencies, health systems and services, communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases and mental health, health throughout the life course, and health equity. They also provide a financial summary for the biennium 2020-2021.

Regional Update, Influenza. Epidemiological Week 11 (29 March 2022)

[WEEKLY SUMMARY]. North America: Overall, influenza activity remained at low levels and SARS-CoV-2 activity continued to decline. Canadahad reduced activity for influenza at this time of year with influenza A (subtyping not performed) predominant and co circulating with influenza/B. The percent positivity for SARS-CoV-2 was slightly higher than the previous week. In the United States, influenza activity has increased in most parts of the country although levels are still higher than in pre-pandemic seasons. Influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses co-circulated. The percentage of outpatient consultations for respiratory illness increased slightlybut is below the baseline. SARS-CoV 2 activity continues to decline, and mortality is above the epidemic threshold. In Mexico, influenza activity has decreased below the average of previous seasons’reference levels, influenza A(H3N2) predominated; the percentage of positivity for SARS CoV 2 decreased. Caribbean: Influenza activity remained at low levels overall with influenza A(H3N2) predominant. In Haiti, influenza activity continued at low, but still above average activity levels. Acute respiratory consultations continue to increase in Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin and Martinique. The percent positivity for SARS-CoV-2 increased slightly at low intensity levels in the Dominican Republic, remained similar to the percentage of the previous week in Jamaica and Saint Lucia, and decreased in Belize and Haiti. Central America: Overall, influenza activity remained low. In Nicaragua, the percent positivity for influenza remained unchanged at low intensity levels. SARS-CoV-2 activity decreased in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras. Andean:Overall, influenza activity decreased with a few A(H3N2) detections. Influenza positivity rate increased in Peru, decreased to baseline levels in Bolivia, and remained stable while still above average in Ecuador. SARS-CoV-2 activity decreased in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Br azil and Southern Cone: Overall, influenza activity continued at low levels however, an increase in the percent positivity was observed in recent weeks. The percentage of influenza positivity increased in Chile, Uruguay and Argentina, and in the latter to levels of extraordinary intensity. The activity of SARS-CoV-2 and the percent positivity increased in Brazil, but decreased in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Global: Influenza activity remained low and decreased during this period after a peak at the end of 2021. In the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, influenza activity increased or remained stable with detections of mainly influenza A(H3N2) viruses and B/Victoria lineage viruses reported. In Europe, overall influenza activity appeared to rise again, with influenza A(H3N2) predominant. Very little RSV activity was observed. In East Asia, influenza activity with mainly influenza B/Victoria lineage detections increased in China. Influenza illness indicators and activity remained low in the rest of the subregion. Increased RSV activity was reported in Mongolia and the Republic of Korea. In Northern Africa, influenza detections of influenza A(H3N2) continued to be registered. In Western Asia, influenza activity was low across reporting countries. In tropical Africa, influenza activity was reported mainly from Eastern Africa with influenza A(H3N2) predominating followed by influenza B/Victoria lineage viruses, and from Middle Africa with influenza B predominantly detected. In Southern Asia, influenza virus detections were at low levels, with all subtypes detected. In South-East Asia, influenza detections were at low levels, with influenza A(H3N2) predominant. In the temperate zones of the southern hemisphere, influenza activity remained low overall. SARS-CoV-2 percent positivity from sentinel surveillance decreased across all WHO regions during this reporting period except in the South-East Asia Region where the positivity was above 40%. The positivity rate was between 10% and 30% in all Regions of WHO, with exception of the African Region where positivity remained under 10%. Overall positivity from non-sentinel sites also showed a decreasing trend.

[RESUMEN SEMANAL]. América del Norte: en general, la actividad de la influenza se mantuvo en niveles bajos y la actividad del SARS-CoV-2 continuó disminuyendo. Canadá, tuvo una actividad reducida para influenza en esta época del año, con predominio de influenza A (subtipo indeterminado) y circulación concurrente con influenza/B circularon concurrentemente. El porcentaje de positividad para SARS-CoV-2 fue ligeramente superior al de la semana anterior. En los Estados Unidos, la actividad de la influenza aumentó en la mayor parte del país, aunque los niveles siguen que en temporadas previas a la pandemia. Los virus de la influenza A(H3N2) y B circularon concurrentemente. El porcentaje de consultas ambulatorias por enfermedad respiratoria aumentó levemente, pero se encuentra por debajo de la línea de base. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 continúa disminuyendo y la mortalidad están por encima del umbral epidémico. En México, la actividad de la influenza ha disminuido por debajo del promedio de las temporadas anteriores en los niveles de referencia con predominio de influenza A(H3N2); con un porcentaje de positividad de SARS-CoV-2 disminuído. Caribe: en general la actividad de la influenza se mantuvo en niveles bajos y con predominio de influenza A(H3N2). En Haití La actividad de influenza continuó en niveles de actividad bajos por encima del promedio. Las consultas respiratorias agudas continúan aumentando en Guadalupe, San Martín y Martinica. El porcentaje de positividad para SARS-CoV-2 aumento ligeramente a niveles de baja intensidad en República Dominicana; se mantuvo similar al porcentaje de la semana anterior en Jamaica y Santa Lucía y disminuyó en Belice y Haití América Central: en general, la actividad de la influenza se mantuvo baja. En Nicaragua, el porcentaje de positividad de influenza permaneció sin cambios, en niveles de baja intensidad. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 disminuyó en Costa Rica, El Salvador y Honduras Andina: en general, la actividad de la influenza disminuyó con pocas detecciones de A(H3N2). El porcentaje de positividad de influenza aumentó en Perú disminuyó y se ubicó en niveles basales. En Bolivia se mantuvo estable por encima del promedio en Ecuador. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 disminuyó en Colombia, Ecuador y Perú. Br asil y Cono Sur: en general, actividad de la influenza continuó en niveles bajos; sin embargo, se observó un aumento del porcentaje de positividad en las últimas semanas. El porcentaje de positividad de influenza aumento en Chile, Uruguay y Argentina, y en este último hasta niveles de intensidad extraordinaria. La actividad del SARS-CoV-2 y el porcentaje de positividad aumento en Brasil , disminuyo en Argentina, Chile y Uruguay. Global: la actividad de la influenza se mantuvo baja y disminuyó este período después de un pico a fines de 2021. En las zonas templadas del hemisferio norte, la actividad de la influenza aumentó o se mantuvo estable con el informe de detecciones del virus influenza A(H3N2) principalmente e influenza B linaje Victoria. En Europa, en general, la actividad de la influenza pareció aumentar de nuevo, predominando el virus influenza A(H3N2). Se observó muy poca actividad del virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS). En el este de Asia, la actividad de la influenza aumentó principalmente en China con detecciones de influenza B linaje Victoria. Los indicadores y la actividad de enfermedad por influenza se mantuvieron bajos en el resto de la subregión. Se notificó un aumento de la actividad del VRS en Mongolia y la República de Corea. En el norte de África, continuó el registro de detecciones de influenza A(H3N2). En Asia occidental, la actividad de la influenza fue baja en todos los países que notificaron. En África tropical, se notificó actividad de la influenza principalmente en África oriental, con predominio de influenza A(H3N2), seguida de influenza B linaje Victoria, y en África central con predominio de detecciones de influenza B. En el sur de Asia, las detecciones del virus de la influenza estuvieron en niveles bajos, con la detección de todos los subtipos. En el sudeste asiático, las detecciones de influenza estuvieron en niveles bajos, predominand o la influenza A(H3N2). En las zonas templadas del hemisferio sur, la actividad de influenza se mantuvo baja en general. El porcentaje de positividad de SARS-CoV-2 en la vigilancia centinela disminuyó en todas las regiones de la OMS durante este período del informe, excepto en la Región de Asia sudoriental, donde la positividad superó el 40.0 %. La tasa de positividad estuvo entre el 10.0 % y el 30.0 % en todas las Regiones de la OMS, con la excepción de la Región de África, donde la positividad se mantuvo por debajo del 10.0 %. La positividad general de los sitios no centinela también mostró una tendencia a la baja.

Validation of the Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Abbott) to screen for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Sint Maarten: a diagnostic accuracy study

ObjectivesControl of the pandemic has required countries to look for other forms of tests besides the gold standard real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Rapid antigen tests (RAT), though less sensitive than RT-PCR, offer the possibility of rapid, inexpensive and early detection of the most infectious COVID-19 cases. Only very few studies have assessed the performance of the Abbott Panbio COVID-19 RAT among asymptomatic people or in Latin America. This study set out to validate this test among people attending the public test street in Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean. MethodsPeople of all ages were recruited from the public COVID-19 test street regardless of COVID-19 symptoms. They received a nasopharyngeal swab for the Abbott Panbio COVID-19 RAT and the RT-PCR Qtower. Diagnostic accuracy of the RAT was compared to the RT-PCR among the overall study population and for subgroups with/without symptoms, with/without close contact and different Ct values. ResultsUsing a RT-PCR Ct cut-off value of <33, 119 out of 1,411 people (8.4%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Most were asymptomatic (59%). The overall sensitivity and specificity of the RAT was 84% (95% CI 76.2-90.1) and 99.9% (95% CI 99.6-100) respectively. The sensitivity reduced to 67.6% (95% CI: 49.5%, 82.6%) among people without symptoms, regardless of whether they were in close contact with a known COVID-19 case. Sensitivity reduced considerably with a Ct cut-off value of <35. ConclusionsThe Abbott Panbio RAT is a valid and cheaper alternative to RT-PCR when used on symptomatic individuals among the general population. However, among asymptomatic people it should not be used as a stand-alone test and negative results should be confirmed with RT-PCR.

Epidemiological Update: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (21 August 2021)

As of 20 August 2021, 210,112,064 confirmed cumulative cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally, including 4,403,765 deaths, for which the Region of the Americas contributed 39% of cases and 47% of deaths. Although the South America subregion continued to account for the highest proportions of monthly cases (54.6%) and deaths (79.8%) in the month of July for the Region of the Americas, a decreasing trend has been observed for the first time since February 2021. Meanwhile, the North America subregion has experienced an increase of 233% in cases compared to the previous month. As of 20 August 2021, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Curacao, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, Suriname, the United States of America, and Uruguay have detected all four variants of concern (VOC). Among indigenous populations in 18 countries of the Americas, 604,264 cases were reported, including 15,027 deaths. A total of 24 countries and territories have reported 7,030 cumulative confirmed cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents (MIS-C) temporally related to COVID-19, including 138 deaths. Regarding health workers, 39 countries and territories have reported 1,792,212 cases, including 10,302 deaths.

Annual Report 2020. Universal Health and the Pandemic. Resilient Health Systems. Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Founded in 1902 as the independent specialized health agency of the inter-American system, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has developed recognized competence and expertise, providing technical cooperation to its Member States to fight communicable and noncommunicable diseases and their causes, to strengthen health systems, and to respond to emergencies and disasters throughout the Region of the Americas. In addition, acting in its capacity as the World Health Organization’s Regional Office, PAHO participates actively in the United Nations Country Team, collaborating with other agencies, the funds and programs of the United Nations system to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at country level. This 2020 annual report reflects PAHO’s technical cooperation in the territories for the period, implementing the Country Cooperation Strategy, responding to the needs and priorities of the country, and operating within the framework of the Organization’s regional and global mandates and the SDGs. Under the overarching theme of Universal Health and the Pandemic – Resilient Health Systems, it highlights PAHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its continuing efforts in priority areas such as communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, health throughout the life course, and health emergencies. It also provides a financial summary for the year under review.

Análisis de los primeros 100 pacientes internados por COVID-19 en el Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires / Analysis of the first 100 patients with COVID-19 admitted to internal medicine wards at the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martin, Buenos Aires University

Resumen Se analiza, en un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, la evolución de la enfermedad y su asociación con los marcadores del laboratorio de mal pronóstico, en los primeros 100 pacientes internados en clínica médica con COVID-19 en el Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. El 31% de los pacientes provenían de geriátricos, las manifestaciones clínicas más comunes fueron fiebre, tos y odinofagia. En relación a las comorbilidades, la obesidad fue la más frecuente y la hipertensión arterial la más prevalente en los pacientes con neumonía. La edad y la presencia de neumonía fueron los predictores más importantes de mortalidad. Los pacientes mayores de 70 años presentaron reactantes de fase aguda más elevados mostrando una respuesta inflamatoria exagerada. La mortalidad fue elevada (13%), en comparación con la mayoría de las comunicaciones (5%), probablemente como consecuencia de la edad avanzada de nuestra población y las condiciones clínicas desfavorables que presentaron a su ingreso.

Abstract This retrospective descriptive study analyzes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, the disease evolution and its association with laboratory markers of poor prognosis of the first 100 patients with COVID-19 admitted to internal medicine wards at the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, University of Buenos Aires. Thirty-one patients were nursing home residents, the most common clinical manifestations were fever, cough and odynophagia. Regarding comorbidities, obesity was the most frequent one and hypertension was the most prevalent in patients with pneumonia. The most important predictors of mortality were age and pneumonia. Patients older than 70 years had higher acute phase reactants showing an exaggerated inflammatory response. Mortality was high (13%), compared to most reports (5%), probably because of the advanced age of our population and the unfavorable clinical conditions they presented at admission.

Epidemiological Update: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (9 November 2020)

All 54 countries and territories in the Region of the Americas have reported COVID-19 cases and deaths. Since the 15 October 2020 PAHO/WHO Epidemiological Update on COVID-19 and as of 5 November 2020, 592,561 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 54,832 deaths, have been reported in the Region of the Americas, representing a 14.3% increase in cases and a 8.5% increase in deaths. In the last 7 weeks (between 16 September and 4 November), a relative increase was observed, both in the number of cases and number of deaths across all subregions. The highest increase was observed in Central America subregion, with a 30.7% increase in cases and a 24.9% increase in deaths, followed by the North America subregion, with a 29.8% increase in cases and a 17.6% increase in deaths, the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean Islands subregion, with a 29.7% increase in cases and an 24.4% increase in deaths, and the South America subregion, with a 26.1% increase in cases and a 22.3% increase in deaths. In the last 7 weeks, a relative increase in confirmed cases greater than 50% (range 52.0% to 80.8%) is observed in the Bahamas, Belize, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Curacao, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Jamaica, Martinique, Paraguay, Saint Barthelemy, and Saint Lucia. With respect to deaths, a relative increase of ≥ 50% (range 50.0% to 80.5%) is observed in Argentina, the Bahamas, Belize, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Jamaica, Paraguay, and Saint Martin. [...]

Los 54 países y territorios de la Región de las Américas han notificado casos y defunciones de COVID-19. Desde la última actualización epidemiológica publicada por la OPS/OMS el 15 de octubre de 2020 hasta el 4 de noviembre de 2020, fueron notificados 592.561 casos confirmados de COVID-19, incluidas 54.832 defunciones adicionales en la región de las Américas, lo que representa un aumento de 14,3% de casos y de 8,5% de defunciones. En las últimas 7 semanas (entre el 16 de septiembre y el 4 de noviembre) en todas las subregiones se observó un incremento relativo, tanto en el número de casos como en el número de defunciones. En América Central se observó el mayor incremento, con 30,7 % de aumento en casos y 24,9% de aumento en defunciones. El resto de las subregiones, incrementaron de la siguiente manera, en orden decreciente: América del Norte con 29,8 % de incremento en casos y 17,6% de incremento en defunciones, las Islas del Caribe y del Océano Atlántico con 29,7% de aumento en casos y 24,4% de aumento en defunciones y América del Sur con 26,1% de aumento en casos y 22,3% aumento en defunciones. En este mismo período de 7 semanas, Bahamas, Belice, Bonaire, San Eustaquio y Saba, Curazao, Dominica, Guadalupe, Guyana, Jamaica, Martinica, Paraguay, San Bartolomé y Santa Lucía presentaron un incremento relativo de casos confirmados mayor a 50% (rango 52,0% a 80,8%). Respecto de las defunciones, Argentina, Bahamas, Belice, Bonaire, San Eustaquio y Saba, Costa Rica, Guadalupe, Guyana, Jamaica, Paraguay y San Martín presentaron un incremento relativo ≥ 50,0% (rango 50,0%% a 80,5%). [...]

Epidemiological Update: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (15 October 2020)

All 54 countries and territories in the Region of the Americas have reported COVID-19 cases and deaths. Since the 18 September 2020 PAHO/WHO Epidemiological Update on COVID-19 and as of 13 October 2020, 3,018,295 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 77,525 deaths, have been reported in the Region of the Americas, representing a 17% increase in cases and a 13% increase in deaths. Across all subregions, a relative increase was observed, both in the number of cases and number of deaths. The highest increase in cases was observed in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean Islands subregion, with a 20% increase in cases and an 18% increase in deaths, followed by the Central America subregion, with a 20% increase in cases and a 16% increase in deaths; the South America subregion, with a 17% increase in cases and a 16% increase in deaths; and the North America subregion, with a 16% increase in cases and a 12% increase in deaths. In the last 60 days, 10 of the 54 countries/territories in the Region reported increased intensity of COVID-19 transmission and modified their COVID-19 transmission classifications accordingly: Aruba, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, and Trinidad and Tobago. Five of these had a relative increase in confirmed cases of greater than 90% (range 94% to 97%): Aruba, Belize, Curacao, Guadeloupe, and Trinidad and Tobago. During the same period, 7 of these 10 countries/territories also presented with a relative increase in deaths, ranging from 29% to 93%: Aruba, Belize, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Trinidad and Tobago. [...]

Los 54 países y territorios de la Región de las Américas han notificado casos y defunciones de COVID-19. Desde la última actualización epidemiológica publicada por la OPS/OMS el 18 de septiembre de 2020 hasta el 13 de octubre de 2020, fueron notificados 3.018.295 casos confirmados de COVID-19, incluidas 77.525 defunciones adicionales en la región de las Américas, lo que representa un aumento de 17% de casos y de 13% de defunciones. En todas las subregiones se observó un incremento relativo, tanto en el número de casos como en el número de defunciones, siendo el mayor en las Islas del Caribe y del Océano Atlántico con 20% de aumento en casos y 18% de aumento en defunciones. El resto de las subregiones, incrementaron de la siguiente manera, en orden decreciente: América Central con 20 % de aumento en casos y 16% de aumento en defunciones, América del Sur con 17% de aumento en casos y 16% aumento en defunciones y América del Norte8 con 16 % de incremento en casos y 12% de incremento en defunciones (Figuras 2 y 3). Con relación a la intensidad de la transmisión del virus SARS CoV-2, 10 de los 54 países y territorios de la región notificaron un incremento de casos y defunciones de COVID-19 en los últimos 60 días, modificando su escenario de transmisión de menor a mayor intensidad: Aruba, Belice, Curazao, Guadalupe, Jamaica, Martinica, San Bartolomé, San Martín, Trinidad y Tobago e Islas Vírgenes Británicas. En este período, Aruba, Belice, Curazao, Guadalupe y Trinidad y Tobago presentaron un incremento relativo de casos confirmados mayor a 90% (rango 94% a 97%). Respecto de las defunciones, el incremento relativo se observó en 7 de estos 10 países y territorios: Aruba, Belice, Guadalupe, Jamaica, Martinica, San Martín y Trinidad y Tobago en un rango de 29% a 93%. [...]

Epidemiological Update: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (18 September 2020)

Since the 26 August PAHO/WHO Epidemiological Update on COVID-19 and as of 15 September 2020, the five countries/territories in the Americas for which there was a ≥200% relative increase in the number of cases are: Curacao (357%), Guadeloupe (299%), Trinidad and Tobago (254%), the British Virgin Islands (214%), and Jamaica (200%). Those with the greatest relative increase in the number of deaths were Trinidad and Tobago (331%), Belize (280%), and Aruba (233%). Between 22 August and 15 September 2020, the countries/territories that modified their COVID-19 transmission classifications based on increased intensity of COVID-19 transmission were: Curacao and Saint Martin (changing from sporadic cases to community transmission) and Guadeloupe, Jamaica, and Martinique (changing from clusters of cases to community transmission). [...]

En el periodo comprendido entre la última actualización epidemiológica publicada por la OPS/OMS el 26 de agosto y el 15 de septiembre de 2020, los cinco países/territorios en las Américas en los cuales se observa un incremento relativo ≥200% en el número de casos son: Curazao (357%), Guadalupe (299%), Trinidad y Tobago (254%), las Islas Vírgenes Británicas (214%) y Jamaica (200%); mientras que los que presentaron el mayor aumento relativo en el número de defunciones fueron Trinidad y Tobago (331%), Belice (280%) y Aruba (233%). Los países y territorios que modificaron el escenario de transmisión de COVID-19, en este mismo periodo (entre el 22 de agosto y el 15 de septiembre) observándose un incremento en la transmisión de casos de menor a mayor intensidad fueron: Curazao y San Martín (de casos esporádicos a transmisión comunitaria), Guadalupe, Jamaica y Martinica (de conglomerado de casos a transmisión comunitaria). [...]

[Analysis of the first 100 patients with COVID-19 admitted to internal medicine wards at the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martin, Buenos Aires University]. / Análisis de los primeros 100 pacientes internados por COVID-19 en el Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires.

This retrospective descriptive study analyzes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, the disease evolution and its association with laboratory markers of poor prognosis of the first 100 patients with COVID-19 admitted to internal medicine wards at the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, University of Buenos Aires. Thirty-one patients were nursing home residents, the most common clinical manifestations were fever, cough and odynophagia. Regarding comorbidities, obesity was the most frequent one and hypertension was the most prevalent in patients with pneumonia. The most important predictors of mortality were age and pneumonia. Patients older than 70 years had higher acute phase reactants showing an exaggerated inflammatory response. Mortality was high (13%), compared to most reports (5%), probably because of the advanced age of our population and the unfavorable clinical conditions they presented at admission.

Se analiza, en un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, la evolución de la enfermedad y su asociación con los marcadores del laboratorio de mal pronóstico, en los primeros 100 pacientes internados en clínica médica con COVID-19 en el Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. El 31% de los pacientes provenían de geriátricos, las manifestaciones clínicas más comunes fueron fiebre, tos y odinofagia. En relación a las comorbilidades, la obesidad fue la más frecuente y la hipertensión arterial la más prevalente en los pacientes con neumonía. La edad y la presencia de neumonía fueron los predictores más importantes de mortalidad. Los pacientes mayores de 70 años presentaron reactantes de fase aguda más elevados mostrando una respuesta inflamatoria exagerada. La mortalidad fue elevada (13%), en comparación con la mayoría de las comunicaciones (5%), probablemente como consecuencia de la edad avanzada de nuestra población y las condiciones clínicas desfavorables que presentaron a su ingreso.