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In December 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus emerged in Chile. We detected H5N1 virus in 93 samples and obtained 9 whole-genome sequences of strains from wild birds. Phylogenetic analysis suggests multiple viral introductions into South America. Continued surveillance is needed to assess risks to humans and domestic poultry.

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Zika virus (ZIKV) infection became a worldwide concern due to its correlation with the development of microcephaly and other neurological disorders. ZIKV neurotropism is well characterized, but the role of peripheral viral amplification to brain infection remains unknown. Here, we found that ZIKV replicates in human primary skeletal muscle myoblasts, impairing its differentiation into myotubes but not interfering with the integrity of the already-formed muscle fibers. Using mouse models, we showed ZIKV tropism to muscle tissue either during embryogenesis after maternal transmission or when infection occurred after birth. Interestingly, ZIKV replication in the mouse skeletal muscle started immediately after ZIKV inoculation, preceding viral RNA detection in the brain and causing no disruption to the integrity of the blood brain barrier, and remained active for more than 2 weeks, whereas replication in the spleen and liver were not sustained over time. In addition, ZIKV infection of the skeletal muscle induces necrotic lesions, inflammation, and fiber atrophy. We also found a reduction in the expression of regulatory myogenic factors that are essential for muscle repair after injury. Taken together, our results indicate that the skeletal muscle is an early site of viral amplification and lesion that may result in late consequences in muscle development after ZIKV infection. IMPORTANCE Zika Virus (ZIKV) neurotropism and its deleterious effects on central nervous system have been well characterized. However, investigations of the initial replication sites for the establishment of infection and viral spread to neural tissues remain underexplored. A complete description of the range of ZIKV-induced lesions and others factors that can influence the severity of the disease is necessary to prevent ZIKV's deleterious effects. ZIKV has been shown to access the central nervous system without significantly affecting blood-brain barrier permeability. Here, we demonstrated that skeletal muscle is an earlier site of ZIKV replication, contributing to the increase of peripheral ZIKV load. ZIKV replication in muscle promotes necrotic lesions and inflammation and also impairs myogenesis. Overall, our findings showed that skeletal muscle is involved in pathogenesis and opens new fields in the investigation of the long-term consequences of early infection.

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Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic studies on viral shedding have reported that this virus is excreted in feces in most patients. High viral loads are found at the sewage pipeline or at the entrance of wastewater treatment plants from cities where the number of COVID-19 cases are significant. In Quito (Ecuador) as in many other cities worldwide, wastewater is directly discharged into natural waters. The aim of this study was to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 presence in urban streams from a low sanitation context. Three river locations along the urban rivers of Quito were sampled on the 5th of June during a peak of COVID-19 cases. River samples were evaluated for water quality parameters and afterwards, concentrated for viral analysis using skimmed milk flocculation method. The viral concentrates were quantified for SARS-CoV-2 (N1 and N2 target regions) and Human Adenovirus as a human viral indicator. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 was detected for both target regions in all samples analyzed in a range of 2,91E+05 to 3,19E+06 GC/L for N1 and from 2,07E+05 to 2,22E+06 GC/L for N2. The high values detected in natural waters from a low sanitation region have several implications in health and ecology that should be further assessed.

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This review goal is to reflect on the challenges and prospects for water quality in the face of the pandemic caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on the information available so far, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater has raised interest in using it as an early warning method, to detect the resurgence of infections and to report the risk associated with contracting SARS-CoV-2 in contact with untreated water or inadequately treated wastewater is discharged. The wastewater-based epidemiological approach can be used as an early indicator of infection within a specific population. On the other hand, it is necessary to collect information from the managers of drinking water supply companies and professionals who are related to water quality, to know SARS-CoV-2 data and information, and its influence on drinking water quality. The basic purpose of this review article is to try to provide a valuable and quick reference guide to COVID-19. Important topics were discussed, such as detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in various parts of the world; wastewater screening to monitor COVID-19; persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in aquatic systems; the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in drinking water; clean water as a mechanism to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; chlorine as a disinfectant to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 and damage to ecosystems by the use of chlorine. Currently does not exist extensive literature on the effectiveness of water and wastewater treatment processes that ensure the correct elimination of SARS-CoV-2. Excessive use of disinfectants such as chlorine is causing effects on the environment. This document highlights the need for further research to establish the behavior of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in aquatic systems. This study presents an early overview of the observed and potential impacts of COVID-19 on the environment.