RT-PCR testing data provides opportunities to explore regional and individual determinants of test positivity and surveillance infrastructure. Using Generalized Additive Models, we explored 222,515 tests of a random sample of individuals with COVID-19 compatible symptoms in the Brazilian state of Bahia during 2020. We found that age and male gender were the most significant determinants of test positivity. There was evidence of an unequal impact among socio-demographic strata, with higher positivity among those living in areas with low education levels during the first epidemic wave, followed by those living in areas with higher education levels in the second wave. Our estimated probability of testing positive after symptom onset corroborates previous reports that the probability decreases with time, more than halving by about two weeks and converging to zero by three weeks. Test positivity rates generally followed state-level reported cases, and while a single laboratory performed ~90% of tests covering ~99% of the state’s area, test turn-around time generally remained below four days. This testing effort is a testimony to the Bahian surveillance capacity during public health emergencies, as previously witnessed during the recent Zika and Yellow Fever outbreaks.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm, representing approximately 1% of all malignant tumors in western countries. It is three times more common in women than in men. AIMS: To analyze the changes in the rates of hospital morbidity and mortality from thyroid cancer in Brazil during the period from 2000 to 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an ecological study, with data from the Brazilian Health Information Systems. Data regarding hospital morbidity and mortality from thyroid cancer (CID 10 C73) were collected as well as variables such as schooling, ethnicity and age group. RESULTS: This study identified 39,191 hospitalizations for thyroid cancer and 6,914 deaths from the same cause in the period investigated, with the occurrence and deaths much higher in women. Furthermore, the number of cases is also greater in subjects with incomplete basic schooling, and among individuals aged between 40-49 years. DISCUSSION: The findings are supported by other studies, although some of the characteristics of the patients have never been evaluated previously. CONCLUSION: Over the 13 year period assessed, there was an increase in the rates of hospital morbidity and mortality from thyroid cancer for both men and women in Brazil. More research on this subject is needed as well as health policies to increase awareness of the population about thyroid cancer and improve access to health services.