Experts also discussed the major scientific gaps that need to be addressed
On the one hand, a map was created showing the interdisciplinary scientific knowledge available on the yellow fever outbreaks in Brazil. On the other hand, the main knowledge gaps were identified on the dynamics of this arbovirus, virus of which arthropods are the source of transmission, in need of research. These were some of the main conclusions of the first day (01/19) of the panel discussion “What do we know about the Yellow Fever in the Doce River Basin, ancient forest areas which are now highly populated?” promoted by the Renova Foundation in Belo Horizonte (MG).
Renowned researchers in the field joint the event, like Betânia Paiva Drumond (Federal University of Minas Gerais), Sérvio Pontes Ribeiro (Federal University of Ouro Preto), Adriano Paglia (Federal University of Minas Gerais), Eduardo Lázaro de Faria da Silva (Anclivepa-SP), José Carlos de Magalhães (Federal University of São João Del Rey), Marcia Chame (Fiocruz) and Sergio Mendes Lucena (Federal University of Espírito Santo).
Experts participating in scientific panel promoted by the Renova Foundation. | Photo: Thiago Fernandes
Among the points of discussion, from an ecological point of view, the panel coordinator, ecologist Sérvio Pontes Ribeiro, professor at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), highlighted the unanimous view among researchers that biodiversity maintenance is key for the control of arboviruses such as the yellow fever outbreak. “Biodiversity is good for our health,” he added. The parasites, for example, are critical for the control of various populations of individuals.
Discussions also featured epidemiological questions, from the historical facts about the arrival of the virus in Brazil, the framework of immunization campaigns to the difficulties of identifying the causes. The difficulties in registering scientific and historical information on yellow fever outbreaks were evident.
Real-time coverage of the panel through the Renova Foundation website enabled the exchange of information with experts from different regions of the country that sent in their questions.
Tomorrow (01/20), scientists will be divided into working groups to define the most urgent scenarios related to health risks and the ecological conditions of the Doce River basin. After this, they will propose scientific guidelines to address these issues. At the closing of the event, the experts will also address hygienic, environmental, educational and communication aspects.
The panel “What do we know about the Yellow Fever in the Doce River Basin, ancient forest areas which are now highly populated?” is focused on the scientific discussion on this subject, however, the public can follow the live coverage of the event, access the research that will be mentioned by the experts and submit questions through the website of the Renova Foundation.