Vigilancia epidemiológica e incidencia de virus respiratorios en Chile: antes y después del COVID 19 CNAP | Universidad Mayor
idioma

04 abril 2025

Epidemiological surveillance and incidence of respiratory viruses in Chile: Before and after COVID-19

Rafael González

Pacheco, N., Hidalgo, A. A., Kruger, G., Gonzalez, R. I., Urbina, F., Pavez, V. B., Castro-Severyn, J., Pardo-Esté, C., Poblete-Castro, I., Valdes, J., Valiente, F., Arriagada, G., Gaggero, A., Remonsellez, F. & Saavedra, C. P. (2025). Epidemiological surveillance and incidence of respiratory viruses in Chile: Before and after COVID 19. Infectio, 68-76. https://doi.org/10.22354/24223794.1222

Abstract: Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, various measures, such as lockdowns and travel restrictions, were implemented to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2, significantly impacting case numbers. These interventions also influenced the incidence of other respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A (InfA). Materials and methods: This study examines the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the circulation of major respiratory viruses by analyzing epidemiological data from Chile between 2015 and 2023. Results: Data analysis revealed that during the pandemic, RSV, InfA, adenoviruses (ADV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) reached historically low levels. However, the relaxation of restrictions in 2021 led to a surge in respiratory virus infections, with RSV cases approaching pre-pandemic levels by 2022. Notably, in 2022 and 2023, infections caused by these viruses exceeded pre-pandemic numbers. Conclusions: These findings align with epidemiological predictions regarding shifts in infection patterns due to preventive measures. Understanding these trends, particularly during lockdowns, is crucial for planning future outbreak response strategies. The insights gained from this analysis have recently informed proactive measures for Chile’s upcoming winter season, helping mitigate an anticipated rise in respiratory emergencies, especially among children in regions with high humidity and low temperatures.

Rafael González

rafael.gonzalez@umayor.cl

DOI: 10.22354/24223794.1222
800 8064Lab5 Nanotecnología

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