Tulane Outbreak Daily | May 8, 2020

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Why It’s Important To Push Back On ‘Plandemic’—And How To Do It – Forbes

By now you’ve probably heard about or even seen the video “Plandemic” that’s been spreading like wildfire through social media networks. This article is not the one you should give to your friend or relative or coworker who shared the video.

COVID-19 in Brazil: “So what?” – The Lancet

Brazil has the most cases and deaths in Latin America (105 222 cases and 7288 deaths as of May 4), and these are probably substantial underestimates. Even more worryingly, the doubling of the rate of deaths is estimated at only 5 days and a recent study by Imperial College (London, UK), which analysed the active transmission rate of COVID-19 in 48 countries, showed that Brazil is the country with the highest rate of transmission (R0 of 2·81).

COVID-19 Found in Semen — What Does That Mean? – Med Page Today

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was found in the semen of a minority of men with COVID-19 infection in China, including recovering patients, researchers found. [Related Study]

Autopsy slowdown hinders quest to determine how coronavirus kills – Nature

Strained health-care systems, lockdowns and safety requirements have hampered efforts to collect tissue from patients that is crucial to research.

Administration buries detailed CDC advice on reopening – AP

The 17-page report by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team, titled “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework,” was researched and written to help faith leaders, business owners, educators and state and local officials as they begin to reopen.

Androgens May Explain Male Vulnerability to COVID-19 – EurekaAlert

A study of 4532 men in the Veneto region of Italy has found that those who were being treated for prostate cancer with androgen-deprivation therapies (ADT) were less likely to develop the coronavirus COVID-19 and, if they were infected, the disease was less severe. [Related pre-print]

Projections Suggest Potential Late May COVID-19 Rebound – Columbia University

The latest data modeling projections by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health scientists estimate that, nationally, new COVID-19 cases and deaths will rebound in late May, as states ease stay-at-home orders and social contacts increase. By June 1, one projection scenario gives median estimates of 43,353 cases per day and 1,841 deaths per day in the United States. A second scenario with a greater progressive loosening of restrictions projects median estimates of 63,330 cases per day and 2,443 deaths per day by June 1. [Related Paper]

The art of medicine – Has COVID-19 subverted global health? – The Lancet

For the first time in the post-war history of epidemics, there is a reversal of which countries are most heavily affected by a disease pandemic. By early May, 2020, more than 90% of all reported deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been in the world’s richest countries; if China, Brazil, and Iran are included in this group, then that number rises to 96%.

Johns Hopkins expert: We will know if plasma with coronavirus antibodies is working ‘very soon’ – Boston Herald

Blood plasma rich in coronavirus antibodies could help prevent severe illness in others or improve the condition of sick patients, and thousands of Americans are already being treated, a Johns Hopkins University expert said.

The Unusual Symptoms of COVID-19 – The Scientist

Scientists document a growing list of atypical coronavirus infection symptoms, giving doctors more insight into the emerging disease.

University of Hong Kong study finds eyes are ‘important route’ for coronavirus, up to 100 times more infectious than Sars – South China Morning Post

Researchers from HKU’s school of public health reveal the coronavirus is up to 100 times more infectious through the eyes and airways than Sars. Study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine says that explains ‘higher transmissibility’ of Covid-19, compared with the 2003 contagion

Blood thinners show promise for boosting the survival chances of the sickest covid patients – Washington Post

Treating coronavirus patients with blood thinners could help boost their prospects for survival, according to preliminary findings from physicians at New York City’s largest hospital system that offer another clue about treating the deadly condition. [Related Study Posted yesterday also]

“Super Immunity” of Bats May Explain How They Carry Coronavirus – Technology Networks

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has uncovered how bats can carry the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus without getting sick—research that could shed light on how coronaviruses make the jump to humans and other animals. [Related Study]

Tobacco smoking increases lung entry points for COVID-19 virus – Science Daily

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of South Carolina and other institutions have identified tobacco smoking as a potential risk factor for infection of the COVID-19 virus. [Related Research]

An investigation of transmission control measures during the first 50 days of the COVID-19 epidemic in China – Science

By 23 February 2020, China had imposed a national emergency response to restrict travel and impose social distancing measures on its populace in an attempt to inhibit the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, which measures were most effective is uncertain.

How quieting ‘blood storms’ (cytokine) could be key to treating severe COVID-19 – National Geographic

While essential for defending against pathogens, the immune system can be a blunt and potent weapon that sometimes harms healthy cells. One version of a runaway immune response, called a “blood storm” or cytokine storm, causes excessive inflammation. It’s suspected to play a major role in some of the most critical COVID-19 cases—including those that land patients in the ICU or saddle them with ventilators.

The Coronavirus Is Mutating. That’s Normal. Does That Mean It’s More Dangerous? – NPR

This week, the question of mutation has been front and center in coverage of the coronavirus — from controversial claims about changes that make the virus more contagious to reassurances that any mutations are not yet consequential. Here are some of the questions being raised — and what the specialists can (and can