This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/world/americas/brazil-italy-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 47 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 23 Version 24
Brazilian Who Visited Italy Is First Coronavirus Patient in Latin America Brazilian Who Visited Italy Is First Coronavirus Patient in Latin America
(about 7 hours later)
[Read more on Brazil’s Coronavirus cases and deaths.][Read more on Brazil’s Coronavirus cases and deaths.]
RIO DE JANEIRO — A 61-year-old São Paulo man who returned recently from a business trip to Italy has tested positive for the coronavirus, Brazilian health officials said on Wednesday, confirming the first known case in Latin America and sending a shudder through the entire region.RIO DE JANEIRO — A 61-year-old São Paulo man who returned recently from a business trip to Italy has tested positive for the coronavirus, Brazilian health officials said on Wednesday, confirming the first known case in Latin America and sending a shudder through the entire region.
Officials were scrambling on Wednesday to track down the other passengers on the flight the man took to Brazil and to find others who had contact with him in recent days. The infection news broke in the midst of Brazil’s Carnival celebrations, popular with foreign visitors.Officials were scrambling on Wednesday to track down the other passengers on the flight the man took to Brazil and to find others who had contact with him in recent days. The infection news broke in the midst of Brazil’s Carnival celebrations, popular with foreign visitors.
The first confirmed case also compounded concerns about the potential economic toll on Latin America from the coronavirus, which has since spread to more than two dozen countries around the world. Stock prices plunged in Brazil and Mexico on Wednesday amid growing signs that emergency measures aimed at containing the spread could jam supply chains and impede freedom of movement for a lengthy period.The first confirmed case also compounded concerns about the potential economic toll on Latin America from the coronavirus, which has since spread to more than two dozen countries around the world. Stock prices plunged in Brazil and Mexico on Wednesday amid growing signs that emergency measures aimed at containing the spread could jam supply chains and impede freedom of movement for a lengthy period.
“Everything is pointing to this epidemic being longer than we had anticipated,” said Welber Barral, a commerce expert in Brazil. “Global supply chains are integrated.”“Everything is pointing to this epidemic being longer than we had anticipated,” said Welber Barral, a commerce expert in Brazil. “Global supply chains are integrated.”
The diagnosis was announced by the health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, who added that Brazil was investigating 20 additional potential cases, including 12 patients who recently traveled to Italy.The diagnosis was announced by the health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, who added that Brazil was investigating 20 additional potential cases, including 12 patients who recently traveled to Italy.
[Update: Nigeria records Sub-Saharan Africa’s first case of coronavirus.][Update: Nigeria records Sub-Saharan Africa’s first case of coronavirus.]
The man was said to have traveled to northern Italy from Feb. 9-21. Although the virus originated in China, there has been a surge of cases in Italy, most notably in the northern region of Lombardy.The man was said to have traveled to northern Italy from Feb. 9-21. Although the virus originated in China, there has been a surge of cases in Italy, most notably in the northern region of Lombardy.
As the virus spread briskly across international borders in recent weeks, Latin America was spared.As the virus spread briskly across international borders in recent weeks, Latin America was spared.
But health officials in the region have been on high alert, anticipating that it was only a matter of time before the virus arrived. “It’s a global world,” Mr. Mandetta said. “It’s an interconnected world.”But health officials in the region have been on high alert, anticipating that it was only a matter of time before the virus arrived. “It’s a global world,” Mr. Mandetta said. “It’s an interconnected world.”
Lívio Ribeiro, an economist at Fundação Getúlio Vargas University who studies China, said he expected the fallout in Latin America from the coronavirus will be greater than that of the 2003 SARS outbreak, which also originated in China.Lívio Ribeiro, an economist at Fundação Getúlio Vargas University who studies China, said he expected the fallout in Latin America from the coronavirus will be greater than that of the 2003 SARS outbreak, which also originated in China.
Several of the leading economies in the region had been growing sluggishly, if at all, even before the coronavirus scare.Several of the leading economies in the region had been growing sluggishly, if at all, even before the coronavirus scare.
“This is a moment of great aversion to risk,” Mr. Ribeiro said. “Regardless of whether an economy is dependent on China or not, everyone is being affected.”“This is a moment of great aversion to risk,” Mr. Ribeiro said. “Regardless of whether an economy is dependent on China or not, everyone is being affected.”
Brazil health officials said medical personnel had been given detailed guidance on diagnostic and treatment protocols for the coronavirus. But experts warned that funding cuts in recent years had left Brazil ill-equipped to grapple with an epidemic.Brazil health officials said medical personnel had been given detailed guidance on diagnostic and treatment protocols for the coronavirus. But experts warned that funding cuts in recent years had left Brazil ill-equipped to grapple with an epidemic.
Mr. Mandetta told a news conference that the case might shed light on how the virus spreads in warmer climates. “This is a new virus,” Mr. Mandetta said, noting experts have yet to ascertain “how it behaves.”Mr. Mandetta told a news conference that the case might shed light on how the virus spreads in warmer climates. “This is a new virus,” Mr. Mandetta said, noting experts have yet to ascertain “how it behaves.”
Earlier, Mr. Mandetta told the G1 news site that officials were hopeful that the virus would not spread briskly in Brazil given the summer time of year in the Southern Hemisphere.Earlier, Mr. Mandetta told the G1 news site that officials were hopeful that the virus would not spread briskly in Brazil given the summer time of year in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Brazilian man who tested positive sought care at Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in São Paulo on Tuesday after coming down with a fever, a cough and a sore throat. The patient is in stable condition and has been asked to remain in quarantine at home for at least 14 days, officials said.The Brazilian man who tested positive sought care at Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in São Paulo on Tuesday after coming down with a fever, a cough and a sore throat. The patient is in stable condition and has been asked to remain in quarantine at home for at least 14 days, officials said.
The São Paulo case emerged two days after a group of Brazilians who had been in quarantine after returning home from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, were found to be healthy and allowed to resume normal activities.The São Paulo case emerged two days after a group of Brazilians who had been in quarantine after returning home from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, were found to be healthy and allowed to resume normal activities.
José Gomes Temporão, a former health minister who oversaw Brazil’s response to the H1N1 virus in 2009 and 2010, said Brazil has a solid health surveillance system, which could enable officials to diagnose cases promptly.José Gomes Temporão, a former health minister who oversaw Brazil’s response to the H1N1 virus in 2009 and 2010, said Brazil has a solid health surveillance system, which could enable officials to diagnose cases promptly.
But, in contrast to Mr. Mandetta’s optimism, he also cautioned that spending cuts had crippled the public health care system in recent years, leaving the government poorly prepared to grapple with an epidemic.But, in contrast to Mr. Mandetta’s optimism, he also cautioned that spending cuts had crippled the public health care system in recent years, leaving the government poorly prepared to grapple with an epidemic.
“We are cutting resources to public health, and we will need additional resources now,” Mr. Temporão said.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“We are cutting resources to public health, and we will need additional resources now,” Mr. Temporão said.
Dr. Nancy Bellei, an infectious disease specialist, said that personnel at the private hospital where the 61-year-old patient sought care appeared to have acted quickly and to have followed best practices. But she, too, expressed concerns about whether Brazil’s underfunded, overburdened public hospitals were ready for an influx of patients.Dr. Nancy Bellei, an infectious disease specialist, said that personnel at the private hospital where the 61-year-old patient sought care appeared to have acted quickly and to have followed best practices. But she, too, expressed concerns about whether Brazil’s underfunded, overburdened public hospitals were ready for an influx of patients.
“We need to see how the public system is going to handle this situation because the number of cases is bound to increase,” she said.“We need to see how the public system is going to handle this situation because the number of cases is bound to increase,” she said.
Brazil receives a surge of international visitors during this time of year as tourists come for Carnival, Dr. Bellei said, and “that means there’s a large flow of people.”Brazil receives a surge of international visitors during this time of year as tourists come for Carnival, Dr. Bellei said, and “that means there’s a large flow of people.”
Estevão Portela, the deputy director for clinical services at Brazil’s Evandro Chagas Institute for infectious diseases, said the way the virus spreads in the country may yield valuable information about the nature of the disease in warmer climates.Estevão Portela, the deputy director for clinical services at Brazil’s Evandro Chagas Institute for infectious diseases, said the way the virus spreads in the country may yield valuable information about the nature of the disease in warmer climates.
“Brazil has an opportunity to contribute with research,” he said.“Brazil has an opportunity to contribute with research,” he said.
But Mr. Portela said the virus also could bring into sharp focus how badly Brazil needs to strengthen the public health system, which has been commended for its response to previous crises but now struggles with spending cuts.But Mr. Portela said the virus also could bring into sharp focus how badly Brazil needs to strengthen the public health system, which has been commended for its response to previous crises but now struggles with spending cuts.
Julio Frenk, a physician who served as Mexico’s health minister from 2000 to 2006 and has closely studied health care systems in the region, said most large countries in Latin America have strong epidemiologic surveillance systems. But Dr. Frenk, now president of the University of Miami, said he worried that populist governments in the region, including those in Mexico and Brazil, had made dangerous cuts in science and medical research.Julio Frenk, a physician who served as Mexico’s health minister from 2000 to 2006 and has closely studied health care systems in the region, said most large countries in Latin America have strong epidemiologic surveillance systems. But Dr. Frenk, now president of the University of Miami, said he worried that populist governments in the region, including those in Mexico and Brazil, had made dangerous cuts in science and medical research.
“I hope this is a wake-up call,” Dr. Frenk said.“I hope this is a wake-up call,” Dr. Frenk said.