Identification of SARS-CoV-2 and additional respiratory pathogens cases under the investigation of COVID-19 initial phase in a Brazilian reference laboratory

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Brazilian surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 cases began at the end of January, 2020. Ministry of Health (MoH) has defined the criteria for testing the suspected cases, which have been constantly updated.3 Initially, suspected cases were determined as symptomatic individuals, presenting with fever and other signs of respiratory infection, independent of severity, who had recently travelled to countries with SARS-CoV-2 community transmission. In the end of February, the first SARS-CoV-2 positive cases were detected in the country, in individuals who had a history of returning from affected countries. However, since March 20th, widespread national community transmission of COVID-19 has been recognised in Brazil. Sustained transmission was initially observed in the big metropolis, as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.