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The Brazilian strategy to overcome the spread of COVID-19 has been particularly criticized due to the lack of a national coordinating effort and an appropriate testing program. Here, a successful approach to control the spread of COVID-19 transmission is described by the engagement of public (university and governance) and private sectors (hospitals and oil companies) in Macaé, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city known as the National Oil Capital. In 2020 between the 17th and 38th epidemiological week, over two percent of the 206,728 citizens were subjected to symptom analysis and RT-qPCR testing by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, with positive individuals being notified up to 48 h after swab collection. Geocodification and spatial cluster analysis were used to limit COVID-19 spreading in Macaé. Within the first semester after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Brazil, Macaé recorded 1.8% of fatalities associated with COVID-19 up to the 38th epidemiological week, which was at least five times lower than the state capital (10.6%). Overall, considering the successful experience of this joint effort of private and public engagement in Macaé, our data suggest that the development of a similar strategy countrywise could have contributed to a better control of the COVID-19 spread in Brazil. Quarantine decree by the local administration, comprehensive molecular testing coupled to scientific analysis of COVID-19 spreading, prevented the catastrophic consequences of the pandemic as seen in other populous cities within the state of Rio de Janeiro and elsewhere in Brazil.

Background Brazilian strategy to overcome the spread of COVID-19 has been particularly criticized due to the lack of a national coordinating effort and an appropriate testing program. Here, a successful approach to control the spread of COVID-19 transmission is described by the engagement of public (university and governance) and private sectors (hospitals and oil companies) in Macaé, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city known as the National Oil Capital. Methods Until the 38th epidemiological week, over two percent of the 206,728 citizens were subjected to symptom analysis and massive RT-qPCR testing by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, with positive individuals being notified up to 48 hours after swab collection. Geocodification and spatial cluster analysis were used to limit COVID-19 spreading in Macaé. Findings: Within the first semester after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Brazil, Macaé recorded 1.8% of fatality associated to COVID-19 up to the 38th epidemiological week, which was at least five times lower than the state capital (10.92%). Overall, considering the successful experience of this joint effort of private and public engagement in Macaé, our data suggest that the development of a similar strategy country wise would have saved over 50,000 lives. Interpretation: Quarantine decree by the local government, molecular massive testing coupled to scientific analysis of COVID-19 spreading prevented the catastrophic consequences of the pandemic as seen in other populous cities within the state of Rio de Janeiro and elsewhere in Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected vector-borne disease associated with socioeconomic and environmental issues. In Brazil, epidemics of VL have occurred in major cities since 1980. Applied models for medical and epidemiological research have been used to assess the distribution and characteristics of disease endpoints and identify and characterize potential risk factors. This study described the demographic features of VL and modeled the spatio-temporal distribution of human VL cases and their relationship with underlying predicitve factors using generalized additive models. We conducted an ecological study covering an 18-year period from the first report of an autochthonous case of VL in Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in 2001 to 2018. The urban area of the city has 74 neighborhoods, and they were the units of analysis of our work. Socioeconomic and demographic data available from Brazilian public databases were considered as covariables. A total of 1,855 VL cases were reported during the study period, with an annual mean incidence rate of 13.23 cases per 100,000 population and a cumulative crude incidence of 235.77 per 100,000 population. The results showed the rapid transition from epidemic to endemic and the centrifugal dispersal pattern of the disease. Moreover, the model highlighted that the urban quality of life index, which is calculated based on income, education, housing conditions, and environmental sanitation data, plays a role in VL occurrence. Our findings highlighted the potential for improving spatio-temporal segmentation of control measures and the cost-effectiveness of integrated disease management programs as soon as VL is difficult to control and prevent and has rapid geographical dispersion and increased incidence rates.

Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) is a unique pattern of congenital abnormalities found in fetuses and neonates infected with the Zika virus (ZIKV). Here, we clinically identify and characterize infants with CZS between 2015 and 2018 in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil-a border area with Paraguay and Bolivia. This cross-sectional study, based on primary and secondary data, tracks the cases registered in the Brazilian Public Health Reporting System through the following stages: (1) preliminary data analysis, (2) identification of the congenital syndrome cases, (3) etiologic classification of the cases, (4) active search, and (5) clinical assessment. Of the 72 investigated cases, 16 were probable cases of CZS. Of these, it was only possible to clinically assess 11 infants. Considering the 16 probable cases of CZS, nine were classified as confirmed cases, and five as potential cases of the syndrome. Regarding clinical features, brain palsy was identified in all analyzed infants. Moreover, microcephaly and pseudobulbar syndrome were found in eight infants, and hydrocephalus was found in three individuals. In addition to these conditions, seven children were malnourished. Our study may provide significant insights for other researches that aim to elucidate CZS and its clinical and populational consequences.

Several parameters should be addressed before incriminating a vector for Leishmania transmission. Those may include its ability to become infected by the same Leishmania species found in humans, the degree of attractiveness for reservoirs and humans and capacity to sustain parasite infection under laboratory conditions. This study evaluated the vectorial capacity of Lutzomyia cruzi for Leishmania infantum and gathered information on its ability to harbor L. amazonensis. Laboratory-reared Lu. cruzi were infected experimentally by feeding them on dogs infected naturally with L. infantum and hamsters infected with L. amazonensis. Sand fly attractiveness to dogs and humans was determined using wild caught insects. The expected daily survival of infected Lu. cruzi, the duration of the gonotrophic cycle, and the extrinsic incubation period were also investigated for both parasites. Vector competence was investigated for both Leishmania species. The mean proportion of female sand flies that fed on hosts was 0.40. For L. infantum and L. amazonensis, Lu. cruzi had experimental infection rates of 10.55% and 41.56%, respectively. The extrinsic incubation period was 3 days for both Leishmania species, regardless of the host. Survival expectancy of females infected with L. infantum and L. amazonensis after completing the gonotrophic cycle was 1.32 and 0.43, respectively. There was no association between L. infantum infection and sand fly longevity, but L. amazonensis–infected flies had significantly greater survival probabilities. Furthermore, egg-laying was significantly detrimental to survival. Lu. cruzi was found to be highly attracted to both dogs and humans. After a bloodmeal on experimentally infected hosts, both parasites were able to survive and develop late-stage infections in Lu. cruzi. However, transmission was demonstrated only for L. amazonensis–infected sand flies. In conclusion, Lu. cruzi fulfilled several of the requirements of vectorial capacity for L. infantum transmission. Moreover, it was also permissive to L. amazonensis., Author summary Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the Leishmania parasite. It is transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies when infected females take a bloodmeal from a mammalian host. The transmission of Leishmania species involves complex ecological interactions between parasite–vector and vector–host. Until recently, the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, which belongs to a species complex, had been solely incriminated in Latin American transmission of Leishmania infantum. However, there are still uncertainties concerning the L. infantum transmission, especially in an urban area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. Along the years, Lutzomyia cruzi has been suspected of transmitting L. infantum in Corumbá and vicinity, and this study aimed to provide more accurate evidence of this phenomenon. Laboratory-reared Lu. cruzi were infected experimentally by allowing them to feed on dogs naturally infected with L. infantum and on hamsters infected with L. amazonensis. Our results identified important life cycle parameters of Lu. cruzi infected by Leishmania in laboratory conditions. We identified the components related to vectorial capacity, and also the vector incrimination criteria of Lu. cruzi for L. infantum. Additionally, we demonstrated the experimental transmission of L. amazonensis by Lu. cruzi to a naïve host, and revealed strong evidence that supports Lu. cruzi as a vector of L. infantum and as a permissive vector for L. amazonensis.

The monthly distribution and abundance of sand flies are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the seasonal distribution of sand flies and the relation between their abundance and environmental parameters, including vegetation and climate. This study was conducted over a 2-year period (April 2012 to March 2014). Monthly distribution was evaluated through the weekly deployment of CDC light traps in the peridomicile area of 5 residences in an urban area of the municipality of Corumbá in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Meteorological data were obtained from the Mato Grosso do Sul Center for Weather, Climate, and Water Resources. The spectral indices were calculated based on spatial resolution images (GeoEye) and the percentage of vegetal coverage. Differences in the abundance of sand flies among the collection sites were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the strength of correlations between environmental variables was determined by calculating Spearman's correlation coefficients. Lutzomyia cruzi, Lu. forattinii, and Evandromyia corumbaensis were the most frequently found species. Although no significant association was found among these sand fly species and the tested environmental variables (vegetation and climate), high population peaks were found during the rainy season, whereas low peaks were observed in the dry season. The monthly distribution of sand flies was primarily determined by Lu. cruzi, which accounted for 93.94% of the specimens collected each month throughout the experimental period. The fact that sand flies were detected year-round indicates a continuous risk of infection to humans, demonstrating the need for targeted management and education programs.

Introdução: O câncer de localização colorretal é o terceiro tipo de câncer mais comumente diagnosticado no mundo. As taxas de incidências do câncer colorretal não são homogêneas, apresentando diferenças entre os países. Não há estudos brasileiros que investiguem a variação geográfica da incidência de câncer colorretal conjuntamente com indicadores socioeconômicos. Esta avaliação pode revelar diferenças locais importantes na ocorrência da doença. Objetivos: Descrever as taxas de incidência e de mortalidade do câncer colorretal no Município de São Paulo, segundo sexo e faixa etária, no período de 1997 a 2009 e realizar análise da distribuição espacial segundo distrito dos casos de câncer colorretal diagnosticados em residentes no Município de São Paulo entre 1997 e 2009. Material e Métodos: Foram analisados os novos casos de câncer colorretal diagnosticados em residentes no Município de São Paulo de 1997 a 2009. Estes dados foram fornecidos pelo Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional de São Paulo (RCBP-SP). A análise dos dados foi realizada em duas etapas: na primeira, com cárater exploratório/descritivo, os dados analíticos foram utilizados para descrever a incidência e mortalidade por câncer colorretal no período pesquisado. Na segunda etapa, os casos de câncer colorretal foram geocodificados, agrupados por distrito administrativo e estudados segundo a metodologia de análise para dados de área. Toda análise foi implementada no software R. Resultados: Com 7,7 por cento e 7,3 por cento dos casos respectivamente em homens e mulheres, câncer colorretal foi o segundo tipo de câncer mais frequente, sendo a quarta (9,0 por cento dos óbitos) e a segunda (11,0 por cento dos óbitos) causa de morte respectivamente em homens e mulheres. Do total de casos incidentes (39.250), 47,50 por cento são do sexo masculino e 52,50 por cento do sexo feminino. Destes, 4.784 (37,7 por cento ) evoluíram a óbito, sendo 48,1 por cento no sexo masculino e 51,9 por cento no sexo feminino. As taxas específicas por sexo e faixa etária de incidência aumentam fortemente com a idade, na faixa etária de 80 ou mais anos chega a 377,9 e 282,9 (por 100 mil hab.) para o sexo masculino e feminino respectivamente, sendo relativamente próximas em ambos os sexos até a idade de 49 anos e maiores para homens nas faixas etárias subsequentes. As taxas específicas por sexo e faixa etária de mortalidade, apresentam comportamento análogo, aumentam fortemente com a idade, na faixa etária de 80 ou mais anos chega a 206,9 e 159,9 (por 100 mil hab.) para o sexo masculino e feminino respectivamente. A taxa anual de incidência ajustada pela população de SEGI (1960) e modificada por DOLL et al. (1966) apresenta-se em torno de 30,0 (por 100 mil hab.) nos três primeiros anos observados (1997-1999), chega a 19,0 (por 100 mil hab.) em 2002, volta a crescer nos anos seguintes (2003-2005), chegando a 31,7 (por 100 mil hab.) e matem-se estável de 2007 a 2009. A taxa anual de mortalidade de câncer colorretal ajustada pela população crescente até 2004, chegando a 15,7 (por 100 mil hab.) e decrescem nos anos seguintes, chegando a aproximadamente 3,6 mortes por 100 mil habitantes em 2009. A média anual da taxa bruta de incidência e os indicadores socioeconômicos apresentam dependência forte dependência espacial, sendo o menor Índice I de Moran observado foi para o índice de exclusão/inclusão dos anos potenciais de vida perdidos (IEX apvp = 0,29), os demais são acima de 0,6. Os indicadores apresentam forte correlação linear com a média anual da taxa bruta de incidência. Conclusões: As distribuições da incidência e da mortalidade apresentam padrões semelhantes ao identificado mundialmente. O Município de São Paulo tem taxas equivalentes às encontradas nas regiões em transição econômica. Foi identificada forte dependência espacial na distribuição da incidência de câncer colorretal no Município de São Paulo, com a formação de clusters nas áreas centrais e periféricas. As maiores taxas são encontradas nas áreas centrais e nas periferias. A distribuição espacial da incidência de câncer colorretal apresenta forte associação com a distribuição dos indicadores de status socioeconômico no Município de São Paulo, em particular apresenta associação positiva com indicadores de renda e escolaridade. Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer worldwide. Colorectal cancer incidence rates are not homogeneous, with differences between countries. No Brazilian studies investigated the geographical variation of colorectal cancer incidence with socioeconomic indicators. This study may reveal important local differences in the occurrence of the disease. Objectives: To describe colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in São Paulo, by sex and age using 1997-2009 data and perform the spatial distribution analysis according to district colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in residents at Municipality of São Paulo between 1997 and 2009. Methods: Colorectal cancer cases diagnosed from 1997 to 2009 in São Paulo residents were analyzed. These data were provided by Population Based Cancer Registry of São Paulo (RCBP-SP). Data analysis was performed in two stages. First, analytical data were used to describe the incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer. Second, colorectal cancer cases were geocoded, grouped by administrative district and studied according data area analysis methodology. All analysis was implemented in software R. Results: 7.7 per cent and 7.3 per cent of observed cases was respectively in men and women, colorectal cancer was the second most common cancer, the fourth (9.0 per cent ) cause of death in men and the second (11.0 per cent ) cause in women. It was diagnosed 39,250 colorectal cancer new cases, 47.50 per cent in men and 52.50 per cent in women. And 4,784 (37.7 per cent ) died, with 48.1 per cent in male and 51.9 per cent in female. The specific incidence rates strongly increase with age, at the 80 years or more age reaches 377.9 and 282.9 (per 100,000 inhabitants) for male and female respectively. The mortality specific rates, have similar behavior, strongly increase with age and at the 80 years or more age reaches 206.9 and 159.9 (per 100,000 inhabitants), for males and female respectively. The annual age adjusted incidence rate was around 30.0 (per 100,000 inhab.) in the first observed years (1997-1999), arrives to 19.0 (per 100,000 inhab.) in 2002, grow back reaching 31.7 (per 100,000 inhab.) and kill stable from 2007 to 2009. The annual age colorectal cancer mortality rate grow reaching 15.7 (per 100,000 inhab.) and decrease in the following years, reaching approximately 3.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2009. The average annual the crude incidence rate and the socio-economic indicators show strong spatial dependence, the lowest Moran´s I Index was observed for the exclusion/inclusion potential years of life lost index (IEX apvp = 0.29). The indicators show strong linear correlation with the average annual crude incidence rate. Conclusions: Distributions of incidence and mortality have similar worldwide patterns. The Municipality of São Paulo has equivalent rates founded in regions in economic transition. It was identified strong spatial dependence in the distribution of the incidence of colorectal cancer, with the formation of clusters in the central and peripheral areas of Municipality of São Paulo. The highest rates were found in the central areas and lowest were found in the suburbs. The spatial distribution of colorectal cancer incidence has a strong association with the socioeconomic status indicators distribution in Municipality of São Paulo. It was identified positive association between colorectal cancer incidence with income and education indicators.