China is targeting Latin America and the Caribbean 2:43
(CNN Spanish) - Six months after covid-19 was declared a public health emergency of international interest, the American continent is now the epicenter of coronavirus in the world with almost 9 million cases, half of these in Latin America and almost 350,000 deaths, according to data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The cases in the region contribute significantly to the record increase in global cases, which as of July 30 exceeded 17 million and the more than 668,000 deaths.
Brazil is the country with the most coronavirus cases in the region, with more than 2.5 million registered cases and more than 90,000 deaths. In addition, it is the second with more cases in the world after the United States.
Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia continue on the list.
A "worrying" situation
In Latin America and the Caribbean, 186 million people have an increased risk of developing severe covid-19 disease due to underlying health conditions, said Carissa Etienne, PAHO director on July 21 in a media briefing .
"Unfortunately, many of these medical conditions are widespread in the Americas, making our region more vulnerable," added Etienne, referring to underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension, as well as tuberculosis or people immunosuppressed.
Furthermore, with government responses to the virus so different among Latin American countries, the region's informal workforce, and high levels of inequality, the outbreak could be growing.
These are the five countries with the most cases of coronavirus in the region, six months after the WHO declared covid-19 as a global public health emergency.
Brazil
It is the second country in the world with more cases of coronavirus after the United States. As of July 30, it exceeds 2.5 million cases and 90,000 deaths. The day with the most infections so far was July 29, when almost 69,100 cases of covid-19 were reported that day alone.
Mexico
Globally, it is the sixth country with the most cases exceeding 408,000 by July 30, five months after registering its first case. The country surpassed 45,000 deaths and its day with the most registered cases was July 23, with more than 8,400, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Peru
It is the third country in Latin America with the most infections and the seventh globally. Since its first recorded case on March 6, this country has already exceeded 400,000 cases and has almost 19,000 deaths. The day with the most reported infections was July 27, with nearly 13,800, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Chile
It is the fourth country in Latin America with the most cases of covid and the eighth in the world. The first case was confirmed on March 3, but it was later learned that covid-19 was already in the country from the week of February 23 to 29. Since then the country exceeded 351,000 cases on July 29 and has already exceeded 9,200 deaths. The day with the most cases was June 6, with nearly 14,000 confirmed, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Colombia
Colombia is the fifth country with the most cases of coronavirus in the region. Although it is not in the world top 10, it is also one of the countries with the most reports of covid-19 after Iran, Spain and Pakistan. It has 276,055 cases and exceeded 9,400 deaths. The day with the most cases registered so far was July 27, with just over 16,300 new reports, according to Johns Hopkins University.
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