RESUMO
RESUMEN El humo de los incendios forestales puede influir en la mortalidad, las emergencias y las visitas ambulatorias, especialmente en personas con problemas respiratorios y cardiovasculares. La vigilancia intensificada exige sumar recursos adicionales a las actividades rutinarias de vigilancia. En agosto del 2019, se registraron 25.299 focos de incendios en varios departamentos del Paraguay. Se describen los hallazgos de la vigilancia intensificada de enfermedades en la población afectada por incendios forestales en Paraguay en el 2019. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo trasversal entre el 15/08/19 al 4/10/2019 en todo el territorio nacional. Como fuente de datos, se incluyen reportes de las Unidades Epidemiológicas Regionales, organizados en una base de datos con las variables: departamento, distrito, población indígena, número de atenciones médicas, motivo de consulta, heridos graves, desaparecidos y fallecidos, identificación de riesgos potenciales para la salud. Fueron afectados 12 (12/17) departamentos y la Capital del país, 30 distritos y 12 comunidades indígenas. Se realizaron 1.681 atenciones médicas, de los cuales 1.291 (77%) eran de Alto Paraguay. Las enfermedades más frecuentes fueron Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas no neumonías (36%), y Enfermedades Tipo Influenza (18%). No se registraron heridos graves, personas desaparecidas ni fallecidas. Como riesgos potenciales para la salud: pérdidas de viviendas en comunidades indígenas, cultivos, ganados y la interrupción de provisión de agua. En conclusión, los cuadros respiratorios fueron más frecuentes durante los incendios forestales, no se registraron personas desaparecidas ni fallecidas. Se identificaron riesgos potenciales para la salud por afectación de medios de vida y sustento, sobre todo en poblaciones indígenas.
ABSTRACT Smoke from wildfires can influence mortality, emergencies and outpatient visits, especially in people with respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Intensified surveillance requires adding up additional resources to routine surveillance activities. In August 2019, 25,299 fire outbreaks were registered in de various departments Paraguay. The findings of the intensified surveillance of diseases in the population affected by wildfires in Paraguay in 2019 are described. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between 08/15/19 to 10/4/2019 throughout the national territory. As a data source, reports from the Regional Epidemiological Units, organized in a database with the variables: department, district, indigenous populations, number of medical care, reason for consultation, seriously injured, missing and deceased people, identification of potential health risks. Twelve (12/17) departments and the capital of the country, 30 districts and 12 indigenous peoples were affected. One thousand six hundred and eighty-one medical services were performed, of which 1,291 (77%) were from Alto Paraguay. The most frequent diseases were non-pneumonia Acute Respiratory Infections (36%), and Influenza-like illness (18%). There were no injured, missing or dead people. Among the potential health risks: loss of dwellings in indigenous people, crops, livestock and the interruption of water supply. In conclusion, respiratory symptoms were the most frequent during the wildfires, there were no injured, missing or dead people. Potential health risks were identified due to the impact on livelihoods, especially in indigenous populations.
RESUMO
Given that COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has crept into Africa, a major public health crisis or threat continues to linger on the continent. Many local governments and various stakeholders have stepped up efforts for early detection and management of COVID-19. This mini review highlights the current trend in Africa, history and general epidemiological information on the virus. Current ongoing efforts (e.g., improving testing capacity) and some effective ways (e.g., intensified surveillance, quick detection, contact tracing, isolation measures [e.g., quarantine], and social distancing) of preventing and managing COVID-19 in Africa are described. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for public health infrastructure development (e.g., laboratories, infectious disease centers, regional hospitals) and human capacity building for combating COVID-19 and potential future outbreaks. Additionally, regular public health educational campaigns are urgently required. Future epidemiological studies to ascertain case fatality and mortality trends across the continent for policy directions are necessary.
