Continuing the ACCDIS seminar cycle, Last Thursday Dr.. Paula Margozzini, Specialist in Public Health and Family Medicine. Academic and researcher in the Department of Public Health of the Pontifical Catholic University and Coordinator of the DataCOVID Group, explained the arrival of the virus in the country and stressed that the epidemic is different in each of the regions of Chile.

One of the aspects evaluated regionally by the DataCOVID group, is the measurement of contagions between people positive to the virus and the rest of the population, which has now managed to lower a person in various regions, "which is encouraging and demonstrates that the strategies previously taken, are being effective", commented on Dr. Margozzini, However, every time cases rise this reproductive number of the pandemic rises again.

During the seminar, doctor emphasized the importance of understanding what new this pandemic represents for all medical professionals, science and decision makers around the world, Therefore, it is important to consider that strategies change according to a number of factors, is the case of the recent measure made, where it starts to be taken into account for the diagnosis of the virus, not only to symptomatic people but also to those who do not have symptoms.

Another recent change, has to do with the diagnostic strategy "we have started to focus tests on high-risk groups, health personnel and institutionalized people", this results in a significant increase in the number of, indicated the specialist.

Indicators speak

One of the most important public health strategies to stop an epidemic, is the diagnosis of positive cases and their isolation, more than 55 laboratories are currently being tested in Chile: 59% in public hospitals, 35% in private laboratories and 6% at the Institute of Public Health of Chile (ISP).

With regard to the behaviour between age and sex of positive coVID-19 cases, the average age of contagions ranges from 30 to 44 years of age, followed by 45 and 59 years. With regard to sex, there is no alarming distinction, both have similar amounts from the used sample of 100.000 inhabitants.

Taking into account the average age of positive cases, it is necessary to reflect on and challenge that people suffering from chronic diseases have, which are usually among this group, emphasized Dr.. Paula, who indicated that according to the latest Public Health Survey "2,5 million adults live with five or more chronic diseases simultaneously, requiring individual attention", Therefore, the call is not to neglect this vulnerable group.

Epidemiological suggestions

Within the group of suggestions proposed by the researcher, points out that there is a need to improve the delivery of information, maintaining the legal and reliability ranges that apply, "we recommend giving up data on current regional incidence rates for over 70s".

On the other hand, commented that it was necessary to report separately the tests carried out according to the laboratory: Public, private or ISP. It also suggests the delivery and description of the comorability of the deceased "this related to chronic diseases" added.

Finally, he called for the need to improve testing targeting and targeted surveillance, "social estrangement and regulations that help us prevent the spread of the virus, are less likely to be joined in the vulnerable population".

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