WASHINGTON, CMC – On February 26, 2020, Brazil recorded the primary case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in its territory, marking the start of the pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Since its emergence on December 30, 2019, in Wuhan, China, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has left a devastating path globally, with 774 million circumstances and 7 million deaths recorded thus far. The Americas had been brutally hit, accounting for 25 % of all circumstances and 43 % of all deaths, making it the area with the best variety of COVID-19 deaths worldwide.
Over time, the virus has modified and developed, turning into extra transmissible however much less deadly. In Could final yr, the World Well being Group (WHO) declared the tip of COVID-19 as a Public Well being Emergency of Worldwide Concern. Nonetheless, infections proceed to happen, with greater than half 1,000,000 circumstances reported worldwide within the final month.
On the fourth anniversary of the arrival of SARS-CoV-2 within the area, virologist Jairo Méndez, the regional advisor on viral ailments on the Pan American Well being Group (PAHO), addressed what he believes the LAC has discovered in regards to the virus that causes COVID-19.
“The pandemic left a profound affect on the international and regional ranges, the scale we nonetheless totally perceive. A basic lesson is the significance of collaboration and solidarity amongst international locations in coping with crises of this magnitude.
“We acknowledged the gaps in our preparedness and the necessity to strengthen our capabilities. We discovered to depend on science, which allowed us to develop protected and efficient vaccines in document time,” Méndez stated.
However he added that well being specialists have additionally realized that the virus is very adaptable and might change quickly, requiring individuals to proceed to observe its evolution and discover potential pure reservoirs intently.
“Surveillance networks led by PAHO have been established to observe the presence of recent coronaviruses. Though vaccines proceed to be efficient, we should stay alert to any adjustments within the virus and proceed to find out about it each day to guard public well being,” he stated.
Requested what info individuals have at present in regards to the totally different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its evolution, Mendez famous that a number of variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been recognized since its emergence, beginning with Alpha in late 2020, adopted by Gamma and Delta, which had a major public well being affect.
“Subsequently, Omicron emerged in late 2021, categorized as a variant of concern as a result of its speedy unfold. Though the virus has continued to evolve, no vital enhance in variant severity or mortality has been detected. Whereas a number of variants, equivalent to JN.1, are presently being monitored, none have traits that make them extra aggressive or deadly.”
He stated the primary challenges in controlling the virus within the area have been quite a few and vital.
“First, the preliminary lack of information in regards to the virus and tips on how to cope with it was daunting. We didn’t have the required instruments to detect and diagnose it successfully. Then, the speedy change of the virus and the emergence of variants posed further challenges for monitoring and management.
“Nonetheless, regardless of these, progress has been made in integrating epidemiological and virological surveillance techniques, which allow us to detect and reply extra successfully to future threats,” Mendez added.
The PAHO official stated that as a area, there have been a number of achievements within the surveillance and analysis of SARS-CoV-2.
“For instance, in a really quick interval, we established a community of laboratories on the regional degree able to quickly diagnosing the virus, which allowed us to reply rapidly. Surveillance techniques had been quickly tailored, constructing on earlier expertise working with influenza.”
Requested whether or not COVID-19 will be thought of simply one other flu, Mendez stated respiratory viruses, together with COVID-19 and influenza, can probably trigger critical hurt, particularly in susceptible populations such because the aged or these with pre-existing medical situations.
“We can not underestimate the seriousness of this sickness or assume it’s only a chilly. The necessity to defend ourselves and be vigilant is essential, as a major outbreak may simply overwhelm healthcare techniques.
“Influenza, generally known as the flu, shouldn’t be trivial and might have critical penalties, particularly for these most in danger. COVID-19 continues to be current, and though it has develop into extra predictable, we should at all times be ready,” Mendez stated.
He warned that the elements that contribute to the emergence of recent viruses and pathogens are nonetheless current.
“Whereas we can not predict when or the way it will happen, we will be higher ready by sustaining fixed vigilance and speedy response preparedness. This underscores the significance of the Worldwide Well being Laws and transparency in communication between international locations to detect and reply to new threats successfully.
Mendez stated PAHO had performed a vital position throughout the pandemic in a number of areas, for instance, by supporting surveillance of respiratory ailments, facilitating the implementation of diagnostic protocols for COVID-19, and debunking false info.
“As well as, we developed evidence-based medical tips and supported the implementation of vaccination plans. We’re centered on strengthening regional capability to cope with future pandemics, lowering dependence on exterior inputs, and selling solidarity amongst international locations to share info and supply mutual assist.
“ One lesson discovered is that science should information actions in response to well being emergencies, and we hope that confidence in it should develop and that it will occur within the subsequent emergency,” Mendez added.
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