Author: Epidemiologia E Serviços De Saúde

COVID-19 in felines, their role in human health and possible implications for their guardians and health surveillance [Originally published in Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde, vol. 29 no. 2]

The literature is still scarce, but indicates that some animals species, especially felines, can occasionally by infected by SARS-CoV-2, although man–cat transmission appears to be an event unlikely to occur in natural conditions. The reports refer to isolated cases and statistically inform us that thus far there are no signs that pet animals, especially dogs and cats, are a source of infection for human beings. Image: PUFJ. Read More →

How Brazil can hold back COVID-19 [Originally published in Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde, vol. 29 no. 2]

This article presents the strategies and actions adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to hold back COVID-19. Provision of information and communication to the population and the press was adopted as a fundamental strategy for addressing the epidemic. Efforts have been directed towards strengthening health surveillance and health care, as well as boosting research, development and innovation. Actions have targeted human resource training and expanding coverage afforded by SUS. Read More →

What is the role of Primary Health Care in COVID-19 pandemic? [Originally published in Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde, vol. 29 no. 2]

Considering the specificities of the Brazilian health system, we intend to discuss some aspects relating to Primary Health Care organization and its role in the face of the challenges imposed by COVID-19 in Brazil. Read More →

Use of facemasks to limit COVID-19 transmission [Originally published in Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde, vol. 29 no. 2]

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) are indicated in this context. They include measures at individual, environmental and community level, such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, social distancing, keeping rooms well-aired and exposed to the sun, cleaning objects and surfaces, restricting or prohibiting access to schools, universities, community gathering places, public transport and other places where people gather together. Read More →

Nonpharmaceutical interventions for tackling the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil [Originally published in Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde, vol. 29 no. 2]

In the absence of prior immunity in the human population and with no vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, its highly virulent nature means that case numbers grow exponentially. Nonpharmaceutical interventions are indicated in this context, aimed at inhibiting transmission between humans, slowing the spread of the disease and consequently reducing and delaying the peak of its occurrence on the epidemiological curve. Read More →

Tuberculosis and coronavirus: what do we know? [Originally published in Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde, vol. 29 no. 2]

As we celebrate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24th and as we draw close to the first milestone, in 2020, of the World Health Organization’s new tuberculosis control strategy, known as the End TB Strategy, it is fitting to examine the dimensions of the TB situation in Brazil in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agent of which is coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Read More →

Assessing the severity of Covid-19 [Originally published in Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde, vol. 29 no. 2]

The fourth update of the Pandemic Influenza Plan prepared by the US Department of Health and Human Services, from 2017, included measures for different government and civil society areas. In addition, in order for the response to be proportional to the severity of the situation, it uses the Pandemic Severity Assessment Framework as a risk assessment tool, proposing two assessment dimensions: transmissibility and clinical severity. Read More →

Immediate Health Surveillance Response to COVID-19 Epidemic [Originally published as an editorial in Epidemiologia e Serviços de Saúde vol. 29 no. 1]

On December 31st 2019 the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of the occurrence of a pneumonia outbreak in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China. The etiological agent was rapidly identified as a novel coronavirus: SARS-COV-2. The outbreak began in a seafood and live animals market and, as at the date of this publication, the animal reservoir is unknown. Read More →