Clinical and epidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 in a prospective population and hospital cohort in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, during a 2020 pandemic

In a global context, COVID-19 is the biggest health threat today. In just over four months, SARS-CoV-2 has spread to 171 countries reaching pandemic status. Most patients with COVID-19 have a mild course of the disease, however, approximately 20% develop severe disease with a high mortality rate that are associated with advanced age, comorbidities and immunosuppression. Epidemiological studies help to reveal the extent of viral spread in homes, communities and hospitals. Thus, preventive and control measures can be established by the authorities. This project proposes to use a pre-established population cohort containing four years of data collection on the participants. The cohort is carried out in a restricted neighborhood in the municipality of São José do Rio Preto, present in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo. To this end, active participants in this study will be monitored for the appearance of symptoms related to COVID-19. A quick access number to the team will be made available in case of acute symptoms and, if necessary, referral to the local health service. Monitoring of hospitalized patients at the Hospital de Base, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), who are suspected or confirmed by COVID-19 will also be carried out. Samples will be collected for further analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, possible biological markers that indicate worsening of the disease.