Brazil needs a coordinated and cooperative approach to tackle COVID-19

Summary: A total of 254,288 patients with RT-qPCR-confirmed COVID-19 were admitted to hospitals in Brazil, with an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 38%, rising to 59% in ICU patients and 80% in those on ventilators. The burden of ICU admissions and mortality rates varied across different regions of the country, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare access for critically ill COVID-19 patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Summary: The study found that COVID-19 in Brazil is spreading rapidly across municipalities with distinct spatial and temporal patterns of clustering, trajectories, and speed. Analysis shows that inadequate policy measures have led to high transmission and mortality burdens. The current surge in cases and deaths, along with the circulation of concerning variants, highlights the need for government to strengthen prevention and control measures.

Summary: A new variant of concern, P.1, with 17 mutations including three spike protein mutations associated with increased binding to human ACE2 receptors, emerged in Manaus, Brazil between November 2020 and January 2021. Molecular analysis suggests P.1 may be 1.7- to 2.4-fold more transmissible and that previous infection may provide 54 to 79% protection against P.1 infection compared to other lineages. Enhanced global genomic surveillance of such variants is crucial for pandemic response.