South America: COVID-19 activity continues in South American countries during May /update 13

Event

Several South American countries continue to confirm additional cases of COVID-19 in May. As of May 26, data from the WHO reports confirmed cases in the following countries:

Sporadic cases:

• Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas): 63 cases

Community transmission:

• Brazil: 16,120,756 cases*

• Argentina: 3,562,135 cases*

• Colombia: 3,249,433 cases

• Peru: 1,926,923 cases*

• Chile: 1,339,421 cases*

• Ecuador: 419,198 cases

• Bolivia: 352,170 cases*

• Paraguay: 335,691 cases*

• Uruguay: 267,888 cases*

• Venezuela: 224,819 cases

• French Guiana: 23,172 cases*

• Guyana: 16,235 cases

• Suriname: 13,302 cases*

*As of May 26 these countries are reporting increases in the number of active cases.

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

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs 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. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

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.

Resources

WHO coronavirus knowledge base
WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel
US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces
US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress
New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions