the World Health Organization (WHO) was alerted about a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology in Wuhan, China [1]. By January 12, 2020, China had shared the genetic sequence of a novel coronavirus [2], later named severe acute coronavirus syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) [3]. Until today, the virus has spread to more than 200 countries, causing over 1.5 million cases and over 100,000 deaths [4]. COVID-19 was declared first a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) [5] and later a pandemic disease [6] by the WHO.While recent published evidence describes the physical health impacts of COVID-19, there is paucity of research [7] regarding COVID-19erelated mental health outcomes. Previously, quarantine measures had led to post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion, and anger [8]. Although it is likely that COVID-19erelated mental health impacts will only be manifested in the future, we can act today to prevent exposed adolescents and young adults (i.e., youths) from carrying mental health complications for decades after COVID-19. In the following paragraphs, we will explore the unique mental health risk and protective factors of Nepalese youths, who have been in complete lockdown since March 23 [9].

Abstract:Mayaro fever is an emerging acute viral disease endemic in Central and South America. Mayaro virus (MAYV) is classified in the Semliki Forest virus antigenic complex and shares similarities with the alphavirus Chikungunya virus and the flavivirus Dengue virus. MAYV is an arbovirus transmitted by Haemagogus janthinomys, with competence also demonstrated in Aedes aegypti, Aedes scapularis, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus. Outbreaks and small epidemics of Mayaro fever have occurred in several countries in northern South America and the Caribbean. In addition, travel-associated cases have been reported in European nationals returning from endemic areas. Clinical features of Mayaro fever include fever, chills, persistent arthralgia, retro-orbital pain, maculopapular rash, itching, dizziness, and, rarely, lymphadenopathy. Methods of control for MAYV are similar to those used for other sylvatic arboviruses. Although MAYV was discovered as long ago as the 1950s and continues to be prevalent in the tropical areas of the Americas, it remains neglected and under-studied. This paper provides a thorough and current review of the published MAYV literature ranging from its original description to modern outbreaks, and from the basic virus characteristics to the clinical and epidemiological aspects of this disease.

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The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS estimates that between 0.3% and 0.7% of adults aged 15 to 49 years were living with HIV in Ecuador in 2013. However, very little is known about the HIV prevalence rate among men who have sex with men (MSM) in that country. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HIV/AIDS as well as to estimate the prevalence of HIV among MSM in one of the cities with high HIV prevalence rates in Ecuador. In this study, questionnaires were administered to 307 adult MSM. An HIV prevalence of 10% was observed. Knowledge about HIV was high; 91% of participants could identify how HIV is transmitted. Although consistent condom use for anal sex was relatively high (89%) among participants who reported having pay-for-service clients, only 64% reported using a condom during oral sex with a client. Participants who had multiple male sexual partners (i.e., their stable male partners plus other partner[s]) had 3.7 times higher odds of testing positive for HIV compared with those who did not. They also had reduced odds of condom use. Participants who were forced to have anal receptive sex had 3 times higher odds of testing positive for HIV. Despite the finding that participants exhibited high knowledge about HIV/AIDS, a high prevalence rate of HIV was observed, which warrants targeted behavioral interventions. These data are consistent with MSM being one of the highest at-risk population groups for HIV in this region of Ecuador.