Learning from the Italian experience in coping with COVID-19

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical Vol. 53; p. e20200199
• Main Authors: Carvalho, Anna Cristina Calçada, Kritski, Afrânio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical - SBMT 01-01-2020; Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Subjects: Betacoronavirus; brazil; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; Coronavirus Infections - mortality; Coronavirus Infections - prevention & control; COVID-19; Disease Outbreaks - prevention & control; Health Planning; Humans; italy; Italy - epidemiology; pandemic; Pandemics - prevention & control; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Pneumonia, Viral - mortality; Pneumonia, Viral - prevention & control; Quarantine - methods; SARS-CoV-2; Short Communication; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Italy; COVID-19; Brazil; Italy; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 0037-8682; 1678-9849; 1678-9849
• DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0199-2020

In March 2020, the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases overburdened the Italian health system, with the country becoming the pandemic's epicenter.
We present a narrative review based on manuscripts, official documents, and newspaper articles regarding COVID-19 in Italy.
Characteristics of the epidemic, possible causes for its worsening, and the measures adopted across Italian regions are presented.
In the early stages of an epidemic, effective decision-making is essential to contain the number of cases. Medical support for patients and social isolation measures are the most appropriate strategies currently available to reduce the spread and lethality of COVID-19.