What happens in Brazil? A pandemic of misinformation that culminates in an endless disease burden

摘要

Brazil is currently one of the main centers of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the low testing rates, recent epidemiological data estimates more than 5.8 million cases and more than 165.000 cumulative deaths in the country; an alarming number. The pandemic follows an uncontrolled rhythm, with insufficient sanitary rules and inadequate orientation for the population, which is not completely aware of the threats of the pandemic. The inefficient official communication, which is not based on scientific evidence, also contributes to the spread of the disease in Brazil. In addition, the different levels of population incomes create clear discrepancies, leading to early access to medical support services for high-net-worth subjects, giving them a definite advantage. Furthermore, the nutritional status of the population is also highly influenced by education and purchasing power; therefore, obesity is an important comorbidity predominant among underprivileged Brazilians1 .