Abstract Investigating the interplay of factors that result in a viral zoonotic outbreak is difficult, though it is increasingly important. As anthropogenic influences shift the delicate balance of ecosystems, new zoonoses emerge in humans. Sub-Saharan Africa is a notable hotspot for zoonotic disease due to abundant competent mammalian reservoir hosts. Furthermore, poverty, corruption, and an overreliance on natural resources play considerable roles in depleting biological resources, exacerbating the population's susceptibility. Unsurprisingly, viral zoonoses have emerged in Africa, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Avian influenza, Lassa fever, Zika, and Monkeypox. These diseases are among the principal causes of death in endemic areas. Though typically distinct in their manifestations, viral zoonoses are connected by underlying, definitive factors. This review summarises vital findings on viral zoonoses in Africa using nine notable case studies as a benchmark for future studies. We discuss the importance of ecological recuperation and protection as a central strategy to control zoonotic diseases. Emphasis was made on moderating key drivers of zoonotic diseases to forestall future pandemics. This is in conjunction with attempts to redirect efforts from reactive to pre-emptive through a multidisciplinary “one health” approach.

Resumo Investigar a interação de fatores que resultam em um surto zoonótico viral é difícil, embora seja cada vez mais relevante. À medida que as influências antropogênicas mudam o delicado equilíbrio dos ecossistemas, novas zoonoses surgem em humanos. A África Subsaariana é um ponto crítico notável para doenças zoonóticas devido a abundantes reservatórios mamíferos competentes. Além disso, a pobreza, a corrupção e o excesso de confiança nos recursos naturais desempenham papéis consideráveis no esgotamento dos recursos biológicos, exacerbando a suscetibilidade da população. Sem surpresa, zoonoses virais surgiram na África, incluindo HIV/AIDS, Ebola, gripe aviária, febre de lassa, zika e varíola dos macacos. Essas doenças estão entre as principais causas de morte em áreas endêmicas. Apesar de serem tipicamente distintas em suas manifestações, as zoonoses virais estão conectadas por fatores subjacentes e definitivos. Esta revisão resume descobertas vitais sobre zoonoses virais na África usando nove estudos de caso notáveis como referência para estudos futuros. Discutimos a importância da recuperação e proteção ecológica como estratégia central para o controle de doenças zoonóticas. Foi dada ênfase à moderação dos principais impulsionadores de doenças zoonóticas para prevenir futuras pandemias. Isso ocorre em conjunto com tentativas de redirecionar os esforços de reativos para preventivos por meio de uma abordagem multidisciplinar de “uma só saúde”.

Violence is a health problem and a determinant of health emergencies, with structural dimensions going beyond interpersonal physical aggression. In the present text, we outline the ecologies of violence and relate them to pandemic experiences in a favela of São Paulo city, taking the perspective of One Health of Peripheries. We show how imposed precariousness, exploitation, persecution, territorial expulsions, incarceration practices, and household aggressions harm peripheral subjects and find in health emergencies the possibility of elevating themselves to the condition of a syndemic of violences. This has happened in the Covid-19 pandemic, in recent epidemics, and it is expected to happen in the next health emergency. Through de ecologies of violence, we hope to give more visibility to the entanglement that frustrates prevention and protection efforts in the face of health emergencies. Entanglement between marginalizing apparatuses, modalities of violence, and health emergencies, materialized in multispecies collectives.

La violencia es un problema de salud y un determinante de emergencias sanitarias, con dimensiones estructurales que van más allá de las agresiones físicas interpersonales. En el presente texto esbozamos la ecología de violencias y la relacionamos con vivencias de la pandemia en una favela de la ciudad de São Paulo, bajo la perspectiva de Una Salud de las Periferias. Mostromaos como precariedad impuesta, exploración, persecución, expulsiones territoriales, prácticas de encarcelamiento y agresiones intradomiciliares violentan sujetos periféricos y encuentran en las emergencias sanitarias posibilidades de convertirse en sindemia de violencias. Eso sucedió en la pandemia de Covid-19, en epidemias recientes y se espera que suceda en la próxima emergencia sanitaria. Por medio de la ecología de violencias le damos más visibilidad a la imbricación que frustra tentativas de prevención y protección frente a emergencias sanitarias. Imbricación entre dispositivos marginalizantes, modalidades de violencia e emergencias sanitarias, materializada en colectivos multiespécies.

A violência é um problema de saúde e um determinante das emergências sanitárias, com dimensões estruturais que vão além das agressões físicas interpessoais. No presente texto esboçamos a noção de ecologia de violências e a relacionamos com vivências da pandemia em uma favela paulistana, na perspectiva da Saúde Única em Periferias. Mostramos como marginalização, precariedade imposta, exploração, perseguição, expulsões territoriais, práticas de encarceramento e agressões no ambiente domiciliar violentam sujeitos periféricos e encontram nas emergências sanitárias possibilidades de se elevar à condição de sindemia de violências. Isso aconteceu na pandemia de Covid-19, em epidemias anteriores, e espera-se que aconteça na próxima emergência sanitária. Por meio da ecologia de violência damos mais visibilidade à imbricação que frustra tentativas de prevenção e proteção frente a emergências sanitárias. Imbricação entre dispositivos marginalizantes, modalidades de violência e emergências sanitárias, materializada em coletivos multiespécies.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar el conocimiento acumulado acerca de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública de importancia internacional en el control de enfermedades y en los sistemas de salud locales, y contribuir a una mejor comprensión de estos efectos en los programas y sistemas de salud. Métodos. Se hizo una revisión sistemática de bibliografía gris y publicada (en español, inglés o portugués) para la que se realizaron búsquedas en bases de datos electrónicas (BVS/LILACS, PubMed y SciELO) y en Google Scholar. Los términos de búsqueda fueron: COVID-19 OR H1N1 OR Ebola OR Zika OR poliomyelitis AND (Outbreaks OR epidemics) AND (public health systems OR public health surveillance). Resultados. Se encontraron 3 508 estudios, de los cuales 31 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. En los estudios se abordaban los efectos de las emergencias en: los sistemas de notificación de enfermedades transmisibles; la vigilancia, el control y el tratamiento de la malaria, el VIH/sida, la tuberculosis y la poliomielitis; la microcefalia; el dengue; y las vacunas. Las poblaciones afectadas por las emergencias experimentaron una reducción de los servicios de salud, incluida una reducción de las consultas de salud, errores en la cadena de diagnóstico, una disminución de la vacunación y el aumento de la incidencia o subnotificación de enfermedades de notificación obligatoria. Conclusiones. La inequidad socioeconómica es un determinante de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública de importancia internacional en los grupos poblacionales afectados. El desvío de recursos y atención de las autoridades de salud afecta desproporcionadamente a los grupos vulnerables y puede suponer, con el tiempo, un debilitamiento de los sistemas de salud. El análisis de los efectos de las emergencias de salud pública es crucial para la elaboración de nuevos protocolos que puedan mejorar la respuesta ante futuras crisis.

RESUMO Objetivos. Avaliar o conhecimento acumulado sobre os efeitos das emergências de saúde pública de importância internacional no controle de doenças e nos sistemas de saúde locais e contribuir para uma melhor compreensão desses efeitos sobre os programas e sistemas de saúde. Métodos. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura branca e cinzenta (em inglês, português ou espanhol) realizada por meio de pesquisas nos bancos de dados eletrônicos BVS/LILACS, PubMed e SciELO e no Google Scholar. Foram utilizados os seguintes termos de busca: COVID-19 OR H1N1 OR Ebola OR Zika OR poliomyelitis AND (outbreaks OR epidemics) AND (public health systems OR public health surveillance). Resultados. Foi identificado um total de 3 508 estudos, dos quais 31 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os estudos abordavam os efeitos das emergências sobre: sistemas de notificação de doenças transmissíveis; vigilância, controle e tratamento de HIV/AIDS, tuberculose, poliomielite e malária; microcefalia; dengue; e vacinações. As populações afetadas pelas emergências enfrentaram uma redução nos serviços de saúde, como menos consultas médicas, problemas na cadeia de diagnóstico, diminuição da vacinação e maior incidência ou subnotificação de doenças de notificação compulsória. Conclusões. A desigualdade socioeconômica é um fator determinante dos efeitos das emergências de saúde pública de importância internacional nas populações afetadas. O desvio dos recursos e da atenção das autoridades sanitárias afeta desproporcionalmente as populações vulneráveis e pode levar, com o passar do tempo, a um enfraquecimento dos sistemas de saúde. A análise dos efeitos das emergências de saúde pública é importante para a elaboração de novos protocolos que possam enfrentar melhor futuras crises.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To assess the accumulated knowledge of the effects of public health emergencies of international concern on disease control and local health systems, and contribute to a better understanding of their effects on health programs and systems. Methods. This was a systematic review of published and gray literature (in English, Portuguese, or Spanish). Electronic databases (BVS/LILACS, PubMed, and SciELO) and Google Scholar were searched. Search terms were: COVID-19 OR H1N1 OR Ebola OR Zika OR poliomyelitis AND (outbreaks OR epidemics) AND (public health systems OR public health surveillance). Results. A total of 3 508 studies were retrieved, of which 31 met the inclusion criteria. The studies addressed the effects of the emergencies on: communicable diseases notification systems; malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, and malaria surveillance, control, and treatment; microcephaly; dengue; and vaccinations. The populations affected by the emergencies experienced reduced health services, which included fewer health visits, failures in the diagnostic chain, decrease in vaccination, and increased incidence or underreporting of notifiable diseases. Conclusions. Socioeconomic inequity is a determinant of the effects of public health emergencies of international concern within affected populations. The diversion of resources and attention from health authorities disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and can lead, over time, to a weakening of health systems. The analysis of the effects of public health emergencies is important for the development of new protocols that can better respond to future crises.

Uganda, like most countries on the African continent, has in the recent past grappled with existential pandemics such as AIDS, Marburg disease, cholera, Ebola, and currently the Covid-19 pandemic. All the above-mentioned disease outbreaks have often unleashed unimaginable suffering on Uganda's population. This is perhaps why Ugandan scholars and public intellectuals- especially its writers such as Mary Karooro Okurut, Moses Isegawa, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, and Austin Ejeit-have used fiction to offer insights into the various contours of these contagions. For example, in their interrogation of one of the worst pandemics to hit the Ugandan society-AIDS-a host of writers have centred a cautionary tale motif and verisimilitude to show how behavioural change can effectively combat disease outbreaks. This article builds on this substantial Ugandan archive of plague writing by focusing on one genre of Ugandan writing-science fiction-that has not received much critical attention for its exploration of pandemics. I explore how Dilman Dila's "A Leafy Man," "Where Rivers Go to Die" and "The Taking of Oleng" use science fiction tropes to proffer insights in contemporary Ugandan plagues. I argue that Dila uses science fiction to effectively delineate the causes of, how to cope with and the myths that circulate about these catastrophic occurrences in the Ugandan public sphere.

Soos die meeste lande op die Afrika-vasteland het Uganda onlangs met eksistensièle pandemies soos vigs, Marburg, cholera en ebola geworstel, benewens die huidige Covid-19-pandemie. Al die bogenoemde siekte-uitbrekings het dikwels ondenkbare lyding vir Uganda se bevolking meegebring. Dalk is dit die rede waarom Ugandese vakkundiges en openbare intellektuele-veral skrywers soos Mary Karooro Okurut, Moses Isegawa, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, en Austin Ejeit-fiksie gebruik het om insig in die verskillende kontoere van hierdie besmettings te bied. Byvoorbeeld, in hul ondersoeke oor een van die ergste pandemies wat die Ugandese samelewing getref het, naamlik vigs, het vele skrywers 'n waarskuwende verhaalmotief en skynwaarheid die middelpunt gemaak om te wys hoe gedragsverandering die uitbreking van siektes doeltreffend kan bekamp. Hierdie artikel bou voort op dié omvattende Ugandese argief van skryfwerk oor siektes, deur te fokus op een genre van Ugandese skryfwerk-wetenskapsfiksie-wat nie veel kritiese aandag gekry het vir die bestudering van pandemies nie. Ek ondersoek hoe Dilman Dila se "A Leafy Man," "Where Rivers Go to Die" en "The Taking of Oleng" wetenskapsfiksie-stylfigure gebruik om insig oor hedendaagse Ugandese plae te bied. Ek voer aan dat Dila wetenskapsfiksie gebruik om 'n doeltreffende beeld te skep van die oorsake van hierdie katastrofiese verskynsels wat in die Ugandese openbare sfeer sirkuleer, hoe om dit te hanteer en die mites daaromtrent.

Abstract Within recent past, coronavirus has shaken the whole world. The world faced a new pandemic of novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2/ COVID-19).It has socioeconomically impacted world population a lot in terms of education, economy as well as physical and mental health. This novel coronavirus is notorious enough that put human health at a great risk. Currently, researchers all over the world aretrying hard to develop a new drug/vaccine for its treatment. In past decades, the world population has faced various viral infectious illness outbreaks. Influenza A, Ebola, Zika, SARS and MERS viruses had whacked public health and economy. Medical science technology achieved the landmark in developing coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines that are approved currently for emergency use. Some of the recently approved vaccines are developed by Pfizer and Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Gam-COVID-vac (Sputnik V), Bharat Biotech (covaxin) andOxford-AstraZeneca vaccines (covishield) (Badenet al., 2021). Here, a short review is drafted focusingon infection, immune system, pathogenesis, phylogenesis, mode of transmission and impact of coronavirus on health and economy and recent developments in treating COVID-19.

Abstract Purpose: To describe that the eye, after healing its active infectious stage, reacts similarly against several systemic infectious processes that affect its structures, such as tuberculosis, Ebola, or AIDS (together with its opportunist infections). Case report: We report the case of a female patient that, after a successful treatment against ocular tuberculosis, developed a multifocal choroiditis due to delayed hypersensitivity, with more potential devastating effects than the active infection itself: inflammation of choroidal and retinal vessels, papillitis, and macular edema that, without treatment, may induce severe visual loss. The patient received short-term systemic corticosteroids and long-term maintenance with systemic immunosuppressants. Conclusions: Ocular inflammatory reactions due to hypersensitivity are more destructive than the direct infection by different pathogens since there may be an inflammatory reaction secondary to the immune recognition of infectious antigenic particles in the ocular structures. Treatment is based on verifying that the active infection has been controlled and, subsequently, initiating systemic corticoids or corticosteroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir que el ojo, ante procesos infecciosos sistémicos diversos que afectan a sus estructuras, tales como tuberculosis, infección por virus Ébola o sida (con sus infecciones oportunistas), una vez curado de su fase activa infecciosa reacciona de manera similar. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de una paciente que, tras ser tratada con éxito de tuberculosis ocular, desarrolló una coroiditis multifocal por hipersensibilidad retardada, de efectos potencialmente más devastadores que la propia infección activa, con inflamación coroidea y de vasos retinianos, papilitis y edema macular que, sin tratamiento, conduciría a una gran pérdida visual. Para su control, precisó corticoides sistémicos a corto plazo e inmunosupresores sistémicos de mantenimiento a largo plazo. Conclusiones: Las reacciones inflamatorias oculares por hipersensibilidad son más destructivas que la infección directa de diversos patógenos, ya que pueden generar una reacción inflamatoria basada en el reconocimiento del sistema inmunitario de restos antigénicos infecciosos en las estructuras oculares. Comprobar el control de la infección activa y posteriormente introducir corticoides sistémicos o inmunosupresores ahorradores de corticoides tiene efectos muy beneficiosos.

Abstract Objective This was a systematic review of studies that examined the impact of epidemics or social restriction on mental and developmental health in parents and children/adolescents. Source of data The PubMed, WHO COVID-19, and SciELO databases were searched on March 15, 2020, and on April 25, 2020, filtering for children (0-18 years) and humans. Synthesis of data The tools used to mitigate the threat of a pandemic such as COVID-19 may very well threaten child growth and development. These tools — such as social restrictions, shutdowns, and school closures — contribute to stress in parents and children and can become risk factors that threaten child growth and development and may compromise the Sustainable Development Goals. The studies reviewed suggest that epidemics can lead to high levels of stress in parents and children, which begin with concerns about children becoming infected. These studies describe several potential mental and emotional consequences of epidemics such as COVID-19, H1N1, AIDS, and Ebola: severe anxiety or depression among parents and acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, and depression among children. These data can be related to adverse childhood experiences and elevated risk of toxic stress. The more adverse experiences, the greater the risk of developmental delays and health problems in adulthood, such as cognitive impairment, substance abuse, depression, and non-communicable diseases. Conclusion Information about the impact of epidemics on parents and children is relevant to policy makers to aid them in developing strategies to help families cope with epidemic/pandemic-driven adversity and ensure their children’s healthy development.

ABSTRACT COVID-19 has unleashed an international Public Health emergency by affecting millions of people, causing deaths, and a humanitarian crisis never seen before. This has saturated the health information systems of the affected countries, where computer tools are useful for managing a large number of cases, at the lowest possible economic cost. In this context, the Epi InfoTM package of epidemiological programs which allows creating electronic forms for data collections, stands out in addition with modules to analyze the information through calculations and representations of epidemiological measures. It also allows creating maps of suspected or confirmed cases and has applications for mobile devices and web; all with proven experiences in epidemic situations such as Ebola, HIV, and the previous outbreaks of Coronavirus. Therefore, Epi InfoTM is a robust and free of cost application, very useful for its implementation in health information systems for the adequate management of COVID-19 cases.

RESUMEN La COVID-19 ha desatado una emergencia internacional en Salud Pública al afectar millones de personas, provocar muertes, y causar una crisis humanitaria nunca antes vista. Esto ha saturado los sistemas de información en salud de los países afectados, donde resultan de utilidad las herramientas informáticas para el manejo de un gran número de casos, al menor costo económico posible. En este contexto resalta el paquete de programas epidemiológicos Epi InfoTM, que permite crear formularios electrónicos para la recolección de datos. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo describir las ventajas y facilidades de implementar Epi InfoTM para los casos de COVID-19. Con módulos para analizar la información mediante cálculos y representaciones de medidas epidemiológicas, además de crear mapas de casos sospechosos o confirmados, Epi InfoTM cuenta también con complementos para dispositivos móviles y la web; todos con experiencias probadas en situaciones de epidemias como la del Ébola, VIH y el MERS. Por lo que Epi InfoTM es una aplicación robusta y libre de costo muy útil para su implementación en los sistemas de información en salud para el manejo adecuado de casos de COVID-19.

ABSTRACT To date, there is no definitive treatment for the new SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Three evolutionary stages are recognized in SARS-CoV-2 infection (early infection, pulmonary phase and systemic hyperinflammation), with characteristic clinical signs and symptoms. There are 80 international experimental trials underway seeking an effective treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic. Of them, there are only 3 that consider to Ozone Therapy as an alternative (major auto hemotherapy). There is no study that evaluates Rectal Ozone Insufflation, despite being a safe, cheap, risk-free technique and that it is a systemic administration route (Oxygen-Ozone 95 %-5 %) and that justifies conducting clinical trials to validate the theoretical properties of Ozone in the management of SARS-CoV-2, given the excellent results observed in the management of ebola. Ozone has 4 proven biological properties that could be of potential theoretical utility as a complementary therapy in the different phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ozone could inactivate the virus by indirect oxidation (ROS and LOP) and could stimulate the cellular and humoral immune system, being useful in the early infection phase (stages 1 and 2a). Ozone can improve gas exchange, reduce inflammation, and modulate the antioxidant system, so it would be useful in the hyperinflammation or cytokine storm phase, and in the hypoxemia and / or multi-organ failure phase (stages 2b and stage 3). Given the current pandemic, it is urgent to carry out an experimental study to confirm or rule out the biological properties of Ozone and thus allow it to be a complementary or compassionate therapy for the effective management of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESUMEN No existe a la fecha un tratamiento definitivo para la nueva pandemia SARS-CoV-2. Están reconocidos tres estadios evolutivos en la infección por SARS-CoV-2 (infección temprana, fase pulmonar e hiperinflamación sistémica), con signos y síntomas clínicos característicos. Hay en marcha 80 ensayos experimentales internacionales que buscan un tratamiento efectivo para la pandemia COVID-19. De ellos, solo hay tres que consideran como alternativa de tratamiento la ozonoterapia (autohemoterapia mayor). No existe ningún estudio que evalúe la insuflación rectal de ozono, a pesar de ser una técnica segura, barata, sin riesgos y que es una vía de administración sistémica (oxígeno-ozono 95 %-5 %) y que justifica la realización de ensayos clínicos para validar las propiedades teóricas del ozono en el manejo del SARS-CoV-2, dados los excelentes resultados observados en el manejo del ébola. El ozono tiene demostradas cuatro propiedades biológicas que podrían ser de potencial utilidad teórica como terapia complementaria en las diferentes fases de la infección por SARS-CoV-2. El ozono podría inactivar el virus por oxidación indirecta (ROS y LOP) y podría estimular el sistema inmune celular y humoral, siendo útil en la fase de infección temprana (estadios 1 y 2a). El ozono puede mejorar el intercambio gaseoso, reducir la inflamación y modular el sistema antioxidante, por lo que sería útil en la fase de hiperinflamación o "tormenta de citocinas", y en la fase de hipoxemia y/o fallo multiorgánico (estadios 2b y estadio 3). Dada la actual pandemia, urge llevar a cabo un estudio experimental que confirme o descarte las propiedades biológicas del ozono y le permita así ser una terapia complementaria o compasiva para el manejo efectivo de la infección por SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract The pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has put great pressure on health systems around the world. Experiences in previous outbreaks have taught us that when health systems are overwhelmed, mortality from diseases for which there are vaccines or treatments can also increase dramatically. During the 2014-2015 Ebola virus disease outbreak, the excess deaths from measles, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis attributable to the collapse of health systems exceeded that of Ebola deaths. For this reason, health systems should focus their efforts to maintain the continuity of care for essential medical services such as: the vaccination program, reproductive health services - which include care for pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate puerperium. - Health in childhood and the elderly, mental illnesses, chronic non-communicable diseases - including cancer and cardiovascular diseases - infectious diseases such as HIV, critical hospital treatments, treatment of urgent health problems and auxiliary services such as basic imaging diagnosis, laboratory services and blood banks. An organized and prepared health system is a system that has the necessary management to maintain the continuity of all those needs that require blood transfusion as part of essential treatment (oncological processes, care of obstetric hemorrhage, emergencies, trauma, symptomatic anemias and emergency surgeries) and of those other situations in which the transfusion of blood or a component is presented as a possible option for the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (convalescent plasma in research use).

Resumen La pandemia originada por el coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2) ha sometido a una gran presión a los sistemas de salud de todo el mundo. Experiencias en brotes anteriores nos han enseñado que cuando los sistemas sanitarios se ven desbordados, la mortalidad por enfermedades para las que existen vacunas o tratamientos también puede aumentar drásticamente. Durante el brote de enfermedad por el virus del Ébola de 2014-2015, el exceso de fallecimientos por sarampión, paludismo, virus de inmunodeficiencia humana [VIH]/sida y tuberculosis atribuible al colapso de los sistemas sanitarios superó al de las muertes por ébola. Es por lo anterior que los sistemas de salud deben enfocar sus esfuerzos para mantener la continuidad de la atención de servicios médicos esenciales como son: el programa de vacunación, servicios de salud reproductiva (que incluyan la atención del embarazo, parto y el puerperio inmediato), salud en la infancia y en adultos mayores, enfermedades mentales, enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (que incluyen cáncer y cardiovasculares), enfermedades infecciosas (VIH), tratamientos hospitalarios críticos, tratamiento de problemas urgentes de salud y servicios auxiliares como el diagnóstico básico por imagen, los servicios de laboratorio y los bancos de sangre. Entonces, un sistema de salud organizado y preparado es un sistema que cuente con la gerencia necesaria para mantener la continuidad de todas aquellas necesidades que requieran a la transfusión sanguínea como parte del tratamiento esencial (procesos oncológicos, atención de la hemorragia obstétrica, urgencias, traumatismos, anemias sintomáticas y cirugías de urgencia) y de aquellas otras situaciones en las cuales la transfusión de sangre o de algún componente se presente como una posible opción para el tratamiento de pacientes con la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) (plasma convaleciente en uso de investigación).

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ebola virus disease has a high lethality, which is why it is of great interest to carry out research that addresses clinical manifestations that could be prognostic factors for survival. Objective: To evaluate prognostic factors of Ebola patients. Methods: the universe was constituted by the totality (n = 350) of admitted patients. Summary measures were used for qualitative variables, point and interval estimates for quantitative variables, as well as Kaplan-Meier significance tests, Cox regression and Odds Ratio. We worked with a 95% level of reliability. Results: The overall survival was 42.5%. The average survival, approximately 10 days (CI: 9-11 days). Patients who were admitted in serious condition (OR = 3.76), who had low back pain (OR = 2.24), who reported headache (OR = 2.22), who presented fever (OR = 2.16), who they suffered from abdominal pain (OR = 1.95) and who were found to have conjunctival injection (OR = 1.86), were more likely to die than those who entered without these symptoms and signs. Conclusions: Survival was high, despite the complications presented. The symptoms and predictive signs of death in the patients were: the severity of the patient at admission, the presence of low back pain, headache, fever, abdominal pain and conjunctival injection.

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad por el virus del Ébola presenta una elevada letalidad, por lo cual resulta de gran interés la realización de investigaciones que aborden las manifestaciones clínicas que pudieran ser factores pronósticos de supervivencia. Objetivo: Evaluar factores pronósticos de los pacientes enfermos de ébola. Métodos: El universo lo constituyó la totalidad (n = 350) de pacientes ingresados. Se emplearon medidas de resumen para variables cualitativas, estimaciones puntuales y por intervalos para las cuantitativas, así como las pruebas de significación Kaplan-Meier, regresión de Cox y Odds Ratio. Se trabajó con un nivel de confiabilidad del 95 %. Resultados: La supervivencia global fue del 42,5 %. La media de supervivencia, de aproximadamente 10 días (IC: 9 - 11 días). Los pacientes que ingresaron en estado grave (OR = 3,76), que tuvieron dolor lumbar (OR = 2,24), que refirieron cefalea (OR = 2,22), que presentaron fiebre (OR=2,16), que aquejaron de dolor abdominal (OR=1,95) y a quienes se les constató inyección conjuntival (OR = 1,86), tuvieron mayor probabilidad de fallecer, que quienes ingresaron sin estos síntomas y signos. Conclusiones: La supervivencia fue elevada, pese a las complicaciones presentadas. Los síntomas y signos predictores de muerte en los pacientes fueron: la gravedad del paciente al momento del ingreso, la presencia de dolor lumbar, cefalea, fiebre, dolor abdominal e inyección conjuntival.

Abstract: Simulation-based learning has been widely used to improve response to crisis situations. It has played an important role in preparing care teams for patients with infections such as Ebola, influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS). The recent pandemic caused by the coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March of this year 2020, requires special attention in these moments, where the disease has exceeded the response of the health systems in several countries, so it is necessary training of response teams to reduce risks. The objectives proposed in this review through deliberate practice, the clinical scenario and simulation in situ, in the patient with suspected or infected by COVID-19, try to systematize the placement and removal of personal protective equipment (PPE), the management of the airway and the approach of the patient in cardiac arrest, in order to improve technical skills and strengthen non-technical skills. Furthermore, during the development of these strategies, unexpected situations can be identified and addressed, some compromise in patient and/or staff safety can be detected, which allows these deficiencies to be rectified and response capacity to be optimized. Likewise, it allows to reflect and analyze the emotions of the staff to prevent adverse situations regarding the performance of health workers. With this, it seeks to strengthen the safety and quality of patient care during the course of this pandemic.

Resumen: El aprendizaje basado en simulación se ha utilizado ampliamente para mejorar la respuesta ante situaciones de crisis. Ha tenido un papel importante en la preparación de los equipos de atención de pacientes con infecciones emergentes como el Ébola, la influenza, el síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS) y el síndrome respiratorio del Medio Oriente (MERS). La reciente pandemia ocasionada por el coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) declarada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en marzo de este año 2020, merece especial atención en estos momentos de crisis internacional, donde la enfermedad ha sobrepasado la respuesta de los sistemas de salud de varios países, por lo que se requiere de la capacitación de los equipos de respuesta para reducir los riesgos. Los objetivos propuestos en esta revisión mediante la práctica deliberada, el escenario clínico y la simulación in situ en el paciente con sospecha o infección por COVID-19 tratan de sistematizar la colocación y retiro del equipo de protección personal (EPP), el manejo de la vía aérea y el abordaje del paciente en paro cardiaco, con la finalidad de mejorar las habilidades técnicas y fortalecer las habilidades no técnicas. Además, durante el desarrollo de estas estrategias, se pueden identificar y abordar situaciones inesperadas, detectar algún compromiso de la seguridad del paciente y/o el personal, lo cual permite rectificar estas deficiencias y optimizar la capacidad de respuesta. Asimismo, permite reflexionar y analizar las emociones del personal para prevenir situaciones adversas en torno al desempeño de los trabajadores de salud. Con esto, se busca fortalecer la seguridad y la calidad en la atención de los pacientes durante el curso de esta pandemia.

ABSTRACT Virologist Dr María Guadalupe Guzmán is recognized as a global leader in dengue research and heads the Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute’s work as a WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center for the Study of Dengue and Its Vector. The Institute (IPK) was founded in 1937 and is now Cuba’s national reference center for the diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention of communicable diseases. Dr Guzmán is also president of the Cuban Society of Microbiology and Parasitology and directs IPK’s Scientific Council, which is responsible for setting the Institute’s research priorities. A recent h-index analysis found that Dr Guzmán is among the most widely-published and cited Cuban researchers. As part of the National Intersectoral Commission for COVID-19, IPK was integral to the design of Cuba’s COVID-19 Prevention and Control Plan, approved in February 2020, more than a month before the first cases were confirmed in Cuba. This included the three-tiered biosafety training program for frontline health professionals, designed and launched at IPK, which built on the institution’s experience preparing Cuban doctors who served in West Africa with the Henry Reeve Emergency Medical Contingent during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak. As of this writing, the Contingent has served in 39 countries fighting COVID-19. Prior to departure, members were trained in biosafety at IPK. Today, IPK conducts COVID-19 testing and research and provides patient care. The institution is supported by an integrated national network of diagnostic laboratories, hospitals and isolation centers. In addition to research related to the clinical evolution and epidemiology of COVID-19, IPK has several studies under way on its diagnosis, pathogenesis, kinetics, immunity and genetics. In July 2020, Dr Guzmán, along with 7 other Cuban specialists, was appointed to the InterAcademy Partnership’s (IAP) COVID-19 Expert Group, a 60-member, multi-disciplinary group comprised of researchers from around the world. The group is designed to promote knowledge sharing and regional and international collaborations concerning the coronavirus using a multisector approach that takes into account the health, social and environmental factors related to the disease. This MEDICC Review interview took place in early July, a few days before the Cuban IAP appointments were announced.

Resumo A subdisciplina epidemiologia histórica se propõe a criar um alicerce robusto e refinado para o processo de tomada de decisões em saúde pública global, aprofundando registros empíricos que nos ensinam sobre intervenções passadas. Este artigo se baseia na pesquisa epidemiológica histórica de três campanhas globais de saúde pública para ilustrar essa proposta: os esforços da Fundação Rockefeller para controle da ancilostomose (1909-c.1930), os projetos-piloto da Organização Mundial da Saúde para erradicação da malária na África tropical (décadas de 1950-1960), e os esforços internacionais de interrupção da transmissão do vírus Ebola durante surtos na África tropical (1974-2019).

Abstract The subdiscipline of historical epidemiology holds the promise of creating a more robust and more nuanced foundation for global public health decision-making by deepening the empirical record from which we draw lessons about past interventions. This essay draws upon historical epidemiological research on three global public health campaigns to illustrate this promise: the Rockefeller Foundation’s efforts to control hookworm disease (1909-c.1930), the World Health Organization’s pilot projects for malaria eradication in tropical Africa (1950s-1960s), and the international efforts to shut down the transmission of Ebola virus disease during outbreaks in tropical Africa (1974-2019).