Herein, we describe the detection of a SARS-CoV-2 genome through metatranscriptome next-generation sequencing directly from the nasopharyngeal swab of a suspected case of local transmission of Covid-19, in Brazil. Depletion of human ribosomal RNA and use of an optimized in-house developed bioinformatics strategy contributed to successful detection of the virus. Available in English. … Read More →

The epidemiological curve of the disease clearly shows the devastating proportions in Italy, Spain and the United States, surpassing China in death records, due to the delay in adopting the aforementioned measures. In Brazil, the rapid progression in relation to the world and Latin America points to an important increase in the number of cases. Conclusion: this is possibly the most serious pandemic in recent human history, and its course can be influenced by the rigor in adopting individual and collective behavioral measures. Available in English. … Read More →

The main findings highlight the negative emotion and stress experienced by healthcare workers who treat infected patients. The main symptoms included de novo complaints of insomnia, anxiety, and feelings of hopeless, as well as the reactivation of previous disorders, such as depression, anxiety and even suicidal behavior. These mental health problems not only affect patients but also medical workers. Available in English. … Read More →

Suicide remains an important public health problem. As health care professionals respond forcefully to an infectious disease pandemic, mental health clinicians should not lose sight of suicide prevention. Available in English. … Read More →

In the current crisis, mental health actions should not be forgotten or postponed. As highlighted by Silva et al., these actions include behavioral measures to facilitate social distance, identifying cognitive mechanisms and decision styles that can increase risk exposure, as well as the mental health care of professionals who deal directly with the consequences of the pandemic. Moreover, care must be prioritized for psychiatric patients, who, due to stress, are at considerable risk of clinical worsening. Available in English. … Read More →

CT has a high accuracy for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Different interpretation criteria can provide either high sensitivity or high specificity. CT should be integrated as a triage test in resource-constrained environments during the pandemic to assist in the optimization of PCR-tests, isolation beds and intensive care units. Available in English. … Read More →

Although the halo sign constitutes a CT finding with large differential diagnosis and it is rarely found in pneumonias caused by SARS-CoV-2, this CT sign in individuals under COVID-19 investigation can help in this disease diagnosis and management, particularly during the current pandemic. … Read More →

Os profissionais da Estratégia de Saúde da Família fazem a busca ativa na comunidade de possíveis casos de síndrome gripal e buscam a prevenção e o isolamento, conforme manuais de órgãos nacionais e internacionais, além de realizar acompanhamento de cada caso e a evolução, tendo como principal função, nessa atual pandemia, a de rastrear novos casos de síndrome gripal, casos suspeitos ou positivos para COVID-19, isolar esses usuários em domicílio, realizar acompanhamento domiciliar e orientações aos familiares e dos cuidadores. Disponível em português. … Read More →

We compare the countries’ mortality rates with their respective number of tests as a function of the time since the first death. Our analysis shows that countries that either delayed mass testing, such as Italy, or have not fully adopted it, such as France and the UK, have had much higher mortality rates than Germany, which has adopted a policy of wide and early testing. Conversely, countries that have followed Germany’s example, such as Portugal, have so far had comparatively low mortality rates. Available in English. … Read More →

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be stressful for some people. Fear and anxiety regarding illness can be overwhelming and generate strong emotions in both adults and children. For all the above research question arises as to determine the symptoms of anxiety and depression during the isolation period the outbreak of COVID-19 in Paraguay. Available in English. … Read More →

This outbreak is causing mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger and fear. These mental health problems affect the patients and the general population and also have impact on the attention, understanding and decision-making capacity of medical staff , which could hinder the fight against COVID-19, but they could also have a lasting effect on their overall well-being. Available in English. … Read More →

Thus, considering the imminent risk of unavailability of intensive care beds and respirators for all individuals, affected or not by the disease, it is essential to establish clinical, technical and ethical criteria for the best use of them, to enhance results and generate the best possible benefits. … Read More →

In the past, news was produced and distributed by a few organizations or private companies, but today, in the Internet and social media age, anyone can broadcast news online. Fake news is better defined as deliberate false information spread via social or conventional media. Fake medical news can mislead in order to damage an organization and/or a person. Another problematic consequence of a fake medical report is to make profits with some specific food, supplement or treatment. Available in English. … Read More →

Besides the biological context, and due to the wide and longlasting changes in daily life it may cause, coping with it represents a challenge to psychological resilience. Previous studies have shown that epidemics and contamination outbreaks of diseases have been followed by drastic individual and social psychosocial impacts, which eventually become more pervasive than the epidemic itself. Available in English. … Read More →

A COVID-19 pandemic decreed by WHO has raised greater awareness of it. The infection reached the mark of 350,000 patients in 33 countries and affected as comorbidities the presence of comorbidities and advanced age. Available in English. … Read More →