South America: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity continues in South American countries through December /update 11

Several South American countries report COVID-19 cases since late February 2020. Maintain basic health precautions.

Event

Several South American countries continue to confirm additional cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As of Dec. 22, data from the WHO reports confirmed cases in the following countries:

No cases:

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas): 23 cases (last reported confirmed cases Dec. 15)

Sporadic cases:

Suriname: 5,552 cases*

Clusters of cases:

Guyana: 6,125 cases

Community transmission:

Brazil: 7,238,600 cases*
Argentina: 1,541,285 cases
Colombia: 1,507,222 cases*
Peru: 997,517 cases
Chile: 587,488 cases
Ecuador: 206,329 cases
Bolivia: 150,023 cases*
Venezuela: 110,075 cases*
Paraguay: 99,789 cases*
Uruguay: 13,048 cases*
French Guiana: 12,433 cases*

*As of Dec. 22, these countries are reporting increases in the number of active cases.

Context

Additional cases could be added to this list at any time as disease surveillance and testing continues.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.