ABSTRACT
Introduction: Within the worldwide efforts to reduce the rate ofinfection and mortality, vaccination against COVID-19 is determined as a safe and universal process. To guarantee the proportionate distribution ofvaccines, globalcollaboration (COVAX)hasbecome the primary strategy in the distribution of vaccines in countries such as Honduras, located among the 71 countries in the world that report the most confirmed cases and one of the lowest vaccination coverages in the Central American region, despite having one of the best cold chains in the Americas. In the following review, we will discuss the challenges faced in the process of vaccination against COVID-19 in the Honduran health system. Objectives: To determine the situation of vaccination against COVID-19 in Honduras and the challenges it presents. M ethodology: Epidemiological analysis and strategies employedin the vaccination process against COVID-19up to epidemiologicalweek30, distribution of variants of concern, confirmed cases, and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 in Honduras. Results: Honduras has reached percentages of positivityandhospitalizations forCOVID-19similarto the peak of the pandemic in June 2020, men represent 54% ofdeaths, 48% ofdeaths are in the group between 60-79 years. The target population for vaccination in 2021 is 5 700 985 persons. In March 2021, a donation of48000vaccines (AstraZeneca)wasreceivedthrough COVAX to immunize healthcare personnel. A total of 9 212 597 doses have been received and are still in the process of being applied to prioritized groups with different levels of acceptance. As of August 16, 2021, 7 201 820 doses had been applied, distributed between first and second doses. Discussion: Honduras has one of the lowest rates of diagnostic tests performed and one of the lowest vaccination percentages in the Central American region. The cumulative case and mortality rates per million population are 37 222 and 1 019, respectively. The percentage of positivity in the year 2021 has increased. The Central-South zone of the country has become the epicenter of the pandemic with the highest number of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The highest percentage of deaths is in men and the 60-79 age group. It is specified that by 2022 all Hondurans can be vaccinated. Conclusion: Although the vaccination process is gradually developing, there are still many challenges in terms of immunization, increasing the workload of health personnel. Distancing, mandatory use of masks, and frequent hand washing remain fundamental pillars of prevention, limited by extreme poverty and a subsistence economy. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Bats are the only flying mammals that carry multiple pathogens, such as the SARS-CoV-2. As a consequent of fear of the zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, there is an adverse reaction in multiple countries against these animals. Bats contribute with arthropod control and pollination, among other positive roles of these animals.
ABSTRACT
Bats are a group of mammals that harbor the most significant number of coronaviruses. The aim of present review article was to analyze the broad spectrum of the coronavirus coexisting in Chiropterans hosts. Bats have certain types of cell receptors that allow them to be the potential hosts of a large number of viruses without the presence of any clinical manifestations, and to be a source of contagion infections for other animals and human species. Emphasis can be placed on five coronaviruses, such as Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Disease, Severe Acute Diarrhea Syndrome, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2, which have had significant impacts causing epidemic outbreaks in different parts of the world, and generating implications for both human and animal health. In conclusion, recent research indicated the importance of bats as potential hosts of multiple coroaviruses leading to some zoonotic diseases.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Several emerging and re-emerging diseases in the last decade have shown the global weakness to detect and act in a timely manner in situations that threaten the health of the planet. Latin America has been vulnerable to outbreaks as a result of increased poverty, social inequity and the poor response capacity of the public health system. O bjective: Describe the situation of COVID-19 in Honduras and the challenges it presents. Methodology: Analysis of the epidemiology and control strategies applied in the country to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, in the context of the social and economic reality until September 18, 2020. Results: Honduras ranks fifth in Central America in the number of tests performed;the cumulative incidence rate of cases is 7 105 per million inhabitants. The country has an accelerated growth in the percentage of positivity with intense community transmission. Some 63.4 % of cases are concentrated in the group 20-49 years old (43 624 cases);15.2 % in adults 60+ (10 440 cases) and 7.5 % in children under 20 (5 133 cases). With a disjointed health system and a chronic and recurrent shortage of physical and human resources, the National Risk Management System (SINAGER), which includes the Ministry of Health (SESAL), implemented various strategies to reduce the spread of the virus. Some control measures were border closures, physical distancing and the use of masks were made mandatory by legislative decree. The serious impact on the weak national economy forced an intelligent opening coinciding with the rise of cases. Conclusions: Current data show that the age group most affected is adults between 20 and 49 years old. The country’s socioeconomic situation has been aggravated by the pandemic;the continuous rise in the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths has collapsed the public health system leaving the majority of Hondurans in continuous vulnerability. Primary care clinics and mobile medical brigades have been implemented as a new way to contain the spread and impact of transmission. Several European countries and cities in the Americas have had to reverse the process of economic reopening when faced with successive waves of outbreaks. Honduras has demonstrated limited capacity to dealwith catastrophic situations. The national epidemiological surveillance system and access to timely and quality diagnostic tests remain weak and fragmented. There is an urgent need to improve the health and surveillance system to guide strategic evidence-based decision making and to prevent future pandemics. © 2020 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.