Venezuelan Edition
Recommendations from the National Academy of Medicine of Venezuela (ANM) to health authorities include strengthening laboratory diagnosis and genetic monitoring of the mpox virus, developing active epidemiological surveillance programs, which encompass sexually transmitted infection clinics, and initiating the necessary steps to ensure future access to antiviral drugs and vaccines. This follows the WHO’s declaration that the spread of the mpox virus (monkeypox) in several African countries is a public health emergency of international concern.
The ANM also emphasizes the importance of handling information transparently and with respect for individual privacy. They believe that reliable statistical data is crucial for the epidemiological fight and have urged authorities to remain vigilant due to the global emergency posed by mpox.
Additionally, the ANM highlights that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert due to a rise in reported cases of the Oropouche virus (OROV) in five countries (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Cuba, and Colombia) within the Americas.
Oropouche is a vector-borne disease primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an insect known as the midge (Culicoides paraensis).
Other symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, headache, joint pain, body aches, and in some cases, photophobia, diplopia (double vision), persistent nausea, and vomiting, lasting five to seven days, according to PAHO.
The ANM indicates that in certain instances, patients may develop meningitis or encephalitis.
“Currently, there are no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available to prevent or treat OROV infection. The treatment is palliative, focusing on pain relief, patient rehydration, and controlling other symptoms.”
The ANM urges the community to stay informed, stating, “Health authorities must now reinforce surveillance and implement necessary control measures.”
“Given the clinical presentation and the current situation regarding dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the Americas, laboratory diagnosis is essential for confirming cases, characterizing outbreaks, and monitoring disease trends.”
The ANM will continue to monitor the situation and is available to assist health authorities in creating care plans for the population, which should always be a priority.
It happened in the week
The Foundation for the Development of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (FUDECI)—a non-profit civil society organization established by the Academy of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences of Venezuela (ACFIMAN)—has received the Julie S. Denslow Award from the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC).
The FUDECI article that won the Julie S. Denslow Prize is titled “Smaller size of harlequin toads from populations long exposed to the fungal disease chytridiomycosis.”
The authors include Dr. Margarita Lampo, a member of the ACFIMAN (Seat XXII), researcher at the Ecology Center of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), and president of FUDECI; Celsa Señaris, a herpetologist at the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC, Spain); and Katiuska González and Onil Ballestas, also associated with the IVIC Ecology Center (Biotropica, 55, 699–705).
In Venezuela, the only species with small but stable populations is Atelopus cruciger, known as the striped toad, which is endemic to the Cordillera de la Costa. The total population is estimated to be fewer than five hundred reproductive individuals, divided into two populations occupying less than one hundred square kilometers. Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as Critically Endangered. An article by Venezuelan scientists on the harlequin toad has won the Julie S. Denslow Award from the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation.
On August 20th, the next session of Pneumocourses will be held for postgraduate residents, pulmonologists, internists, and cardiopulmonologists. The link to access the conference is available at https://acortar.link/Ab9hZe
More information can be found at @neumocursos http://surl.li/owaqar
As part of the Master Plan, the Pan American Health Organization delivered antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV and supplies for the diagnosis of tuberculosis to the Ministry of People’s Power for Health. This will enable healthcare for the population suffering from these diseases for the remainder of the year.
Additionally, two molecular diagnostic kits (GeneXpert) were provided to the states of Carabobo and La Guaira, ensuring that all 24 federal agencies in the country now have at least one of these rapid diagnostic kits for tuberculosis and HIV. PAHO delivered medicines to Venezuela for the treatment of HIV and tuberculosis.
Articles
Oral hygiene is a crucial aspect of overall health. The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem that is susceptible to various conditions that can significantly impact general health, especially in patients with medical devices such as dialysis catheters, vascular grafts, and those about to receive orthopedic prostheses. This is an article by Dr. Karen Courville: Oral hygiene: key to preventing infections.
Nutrition plays a critical role in eye health. Considering the misconceptions that people often hold, it is important to clarify that an adequate diet is not only accessible and affordable but also has a profound impact on eye health. This article by Dr. Liliana (Lily) Arosemena: Improve your eye health with a quality diet: recommendations.
From the world
On Wednesday, August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the spread of the mpox virus (monkeypox) in several African countries is a public health emergency of international concern. This was the week’s leading news and will continue to be a matter of interest.
Due to the increase in mpox cases, associated with the identification of a new variant of the virus in Sub-Saharan Africa, the general director of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, convened a panel of experts to advise on whether the expanding outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
Following the Emergency Committee meeting, the recommendation to declare it a public health emergency of international concern was accepted: WHO declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Although the new variant has not been reported in the Americas, countries should remain vigilant for possible imported cases, the agency stated. Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) WHO calls for international action to halt the MPOX outbreak; Panama maintains permanent surveillance of emerging viruses.
The theme of International Youth Day 2024 is “From clicks to progress: Youth digital pathways for sustainable development.” It emphasizes the role of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). According to the summary document on United Nations International Youth Day, the rapid digital transformation occurring globally has been recognized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNDG) as one of the six transitions that have catalytic and multiplier effects on all SDGs.
Culture
“It is because of this inevitable desire to dominate at all costs, because of this obtuse denial of the complexity of time and heterochrony, that everything can never fit within the revolution. Revolution is always, by principle and logic, the mother of all intolerances because it entails the absurd attempt to impose the illusion of a single time on the entire social organism.” This is a special in the Literary Paper of the newspaper El Nacional on the revolution, directed by Nelson Rivera: Surviving the Revolution, Reflections in the Literary Paper.
We conclude with a necessary reflection: fear can make us sick and affect our vital organs. It is the root of stress and serious health problems.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warns that fear is escalating in Venezuela “due to continued arbitrary arrests and the disproportionate use of force by law enforcement agencies following the July 28 elections”: UN expresses concern about the fragmentation of Venezuelan social fabric.
Volker Turk stated that it is particularly troubling that so many individuals are being arrested, charged, or indicted for inciting hatred or under anti-terrorism legislation. “All of this is exacerbating tensions and further fragmenting the social fabric of Venezuela,” he noted.
In the face of fear, there is hope. The legitimate right to strive for a better tomorrow, where no one should fear exercising a right or expressing an opinion, is a fundamental principle.
Thank you for reading us every week and being here.
Violeta Villar Liste
Venezuelan Edition
Strengthening Public Health Response in Venezuela
In light of the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) labeling the spread of the mpox virus, commonly known as monkeypox, as a public health emergency of international concern, the National Academy of Medicine of Venezuela (ANM) has urged health authorities to take proactive measures. Recommendations include:
- Strengthening laboratory diagnostics and genetic monitoring for the mpox virus.
- Developing programs focused on active epidemiological surveillance, especially through sexually transmitted infection clinics.
- Ensuring future access to antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Furthermore, the ANM emphasizes the importance of transparency in handling information related to health emergencies while safeguarding patient privacy. Accurate statistical data is crucial for tackling epidemiological challenges effectively.
Emerging Threats: Oropouche Virus
The ANM also alerted the public about the increase in cases of the Oropouche virus (OROV), as reported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This vector-borne disease is transmitted primarily through bites from the midge, Culicoides paraensis. Symptoms might include:
- Sudden fever onset
- Headaches
- Joint stiffness
- Aches and pains
- In some cases, photophobia and diplopia
Currently, no vaccines or antiviral treatments exist for OROV. The management of the disease is supportive, focusing on pain relief, hydration, and symptomatic care.
Recent Developments in Health and Research
In a notable achievement, the Foundation for the Development of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (FUDECI) has been honored with the Julie S. Denslow Award from the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC). This award recognizes their impactful research, “Smaller size of harlequin toads from populations long exposed to the fungal disease chytridiomycosis,” highlighting the ecological studies conducted by Venezuelan scientists.
Upcoming Health Initiatives
Health professionals in Venezuela will soon have the opportunity to engage in educational sessions like the Pneumocourses tailored for postgraduate residents, pulmonologists, internists, and cardiopulmonologists. These sessions aim to enhance treatment methodologies and are accessible via the link: Pneumocourses Registration.
Essential Healthcare Supplies Distributed
In a significant move, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has supplied Venezuela with antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment and diagnostic supplies for tuberculosis. This initiative aims to bolster healthcare provisions throughout the country. Additionally, two molecular diagnostic kits have been delivered to the states of Carabobo and La Guaira, enhancing capabilities for rapid diagnosis of these diseases.
Focus on Oral Health
Oral health is vital for overall wellbeing, particularly for those with medical devices such as dialysis catheters and orthopedic prostheses. In her article, Dr. Karen Courville underscores the importance of oral hygiene in preventing infections, reflecting the wider implications of dental health on individual health outcomes.
Nutrition and Eye Health
Nutrition also plays a critical role in maintaining eye health. Dr. Liliana (Lily) Arosemena discusses how a balanced diet significantly impacts visual well-being, debunking myths about accessibility and affordability in healthy eating practices.
Global Health Updates
Globally, the WHO has continuously monitored the situation surrounding the mpox virus, highlighting a new variant detected in Sub-Saharan Africa. Health systems in the Americas are advised to remain vigilant about potential cases arising from this developed situation.
International Youth Day 2024
In alignment with ongoing global efforts, International Youth Day on August 12 focuses on digital technology’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme, “From clicks to progress,” serves to highlight innovative approaches to sustainable development.
Cultural Reflections
In literature, reflections on the social complexities of life and revolution were articulated in a recent article by Nelson Rivera. The dialogue emphasizes the societal challenges faced within Venezuela’s current socio-political landscape.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, raised concerns over societal fears stemming from political tensions and arbitrary arrests within the country, suggesting the necessity for hope and continued advocacy for social improvement.
Thank you for reading us every week and being a part of our community.
Violeta Villar Liste
