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Highlights Bats serve as natural reservoirs for a variety of viruses. Transmission of highly pathogenic viruses from bats has been suspected and linked to a spectrum of emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals worldwide. Examples of such viruses include Marburg, Ebola, Nipah, Hendra, Influenza A, Dengue, Equine Encephalitis viruses, Lyssaviruses, Madariaga and Coronaviruses, involving the now pandemic Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Herein, we provide a comprehensive review on the diversity, reservoirs, and geographical distribution of the main bat viruses and their potential for cross-species transmission.

Background: The world is currently unprepared to deal with the drastic increase in global migration. There is an urgent need to develop programs to protect the well-being and health of migrant peoples. Increased population movement is already evident throughout the Americas as exemplified by the rising number of migrant peoples who pass through the Darien neotropical moist broadleaf forest along the border region between Panama and Colombia. The transit of migrant peoples through this area has an increase in the last years. In 2021, an average of 9400 people entered the region per month compared with 2000–3500 people monthly in 2019. Along this trail, there is no access to health care, food provision, potable water, or housing. To date, much of what is known about health needs and barriers to health care within this population is based on journalistic reports and anecdotes. There is a need for a comprehensive approach to assess the health care needs of migrant peoples in transit. This study aims to describe demographic characteristics, mental and physical health status and needs, and experiences of host communities, and to identify opportunities to improve health care provision to migrant peoples in transit in Panama. Study design and methods: This multimethod study will include qualitative ( n = 70) and quantitative ( n = 520) components. The qualitative component includes interviews with migrant peoples in transit, national and international nongovernmental organizations and agencies based in Panama. The quantitative component is a rapid epidemiological study which includes a questionnaire and four clinical screenings: mental health, sexual and reproductive health, general and tropical medicine, and nutrition. Conclusion: This study will contribute to a better understanding of the health status and needs of migrant peoples in transit through the region. Findings will be used to allocate resources and provide targeted health care interventions for migrant peoples in transit through Darien, Panama.

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Zika virus (ZIKV) was first detected in the Americas in Brazil in 2015, with a rapid spread to surrounding countries. In Panama, the outbreak began in November 2015 in an indigenous community located on the Caribbean side of the country. Zika virus is typically associated with a diffuse rash, fever, and conjunctivitis. It can rarely cause neurologic manifestations, most commonly microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Encephalitis and acute encephalomyelitis are known complications, but ZIKV-associated cerebellitis has yet to be reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of cerebellitis in a patient infected with ZIKV. This patient developed severe frontal headache and vertigo on the third day of illness, and dysarthria and ataxia on the fifth day. After 1 week of hospitalization, the patient completely recovered. The laboratory serological diagnosis was complicated because of the detection of antibodies against dengue, suggesting a secondary flavivirus infection.

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BackgroundThe world is currently unprepared to deal with a the drastic increase in global migration. There is an urgent need to develop programs to protect the well being and health of migrant peoples. Increased population movement is already evident throughout the Americas as exemplified by the rising number of migrant peoples that pass through the Darien neotropical moist broadleaf forest along the border region between Panama and Colombia. The transit of migrant peoples through this area has an increase in the last years. In 2021 an average of 9,400 people entered the region per month compared to 2,000-3,500 people monthly in 2019. Along this trail, there is no access to healthcare, food provision, potable water, or housing. To date, much of what is known about health needs and barriers to healthcare within this population is based on journalistic reports and anecdotes. There is a need for a comprehensive approach to assess the healthcare needs migrant peoples in transit. This study aims to describe demographic characteristics, mental and physical health status and needs, and experiences of host communities, and to identify opportunities to improve healthcare provision to migrant peoples in transit in Panama.Study design and methodsThis multi-method study will include qualitative (n=70) and quantitative (n=520) components. The qualitative component includes interviews with migrant peoples in transit, national and international non-governmental organizations and agencies based in Panama. The quantitative component is a rapid epidemiological study which includes a questionnaire and four clinical screenings: mental health, sexual and reproductive health, general and tropical medicine, and nutrition.ConclusionThis study will contribute to a better understanding of the health status and needs of migrant peoples in transit through the region. Findings will be used to allocate resources and provide targeted healthcare interventions for migrant peoples in transit through Darien, Panama.

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