Brazil, Zika Virus - 1,761 suspected cases of microcephaly in 14 States - 19 suspected deaths - (Nov 29 - Dec 5, 2015)

[Gert van der Hoek]

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL REPORT No. 03/2015 - WEEK EPIDEMIOLOGICAL 48 (11/29/2015 12/05/2015 A)

MONITORING MICROCEFALIAS CASES IN BRAZIL

This report from COES - Microcefalias aims to document and disseminate updated information on
epidemiological situation of microcephaly in Brazil, focusing on research and response to changing
pattern of occurrence of the disease in this country.

Current epidemiological situation

Until December 5, 2015, they were notified to the SVS / MS 1,761 suspected cases of microcephaly,
identified in 422 municipalities in 14 Brazilian states. It is noteworthy that all cases reported
not fit the definition set out in the Information Notice No. 01/2015, in the case of suspected cases
and that still need to be investigated and classified.

Among the total cases, 19 suspected deaths were reported; 17 in states in the Northeast (Bahia, Cear?, Maranh?o, Para?ba, Piau?, Rio Grande do
Norte and Sergipe) and two in Rio de Janeiro.

MORE (in portuguese):

 

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.who.int/csr/don/15-december-2015-microcephaly-brazil/en/

Microcephaly ? Brazil Disease Outbreak News
15 December 2015

On 8 December 2015, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Brazil provided PAHO/WHO with an update regarding the unusual increase in the number of cases of microcephaly among newborns in the northeast of Brazil.
As of 5 December, 1,761 suspected cases of microcephaly, including 19 deaths, have been identified. The cases are distributed across 422 municipalities of 14 federal units. Pernambuco and Para?ba are the most affected states with 804 and 316 cases, respectively. Fatal cases were reported in Rio Grande do Norte (7), Sergipe (4), Bahia (2), Rio de Janeiro (2), Cear? (1), Maranh?o (1), Para?ba (1) and Piau? (1). Investigations are ongoing.
On 7 December, the MoH revised the case definition for microcephaly in newborns: the head circumference criterion for a suspected case has been reduced from a threshold of ≤ 33 cm to ≤ 32 cm. Newborns with a head circumference between 32 and 33 cm will be closely monitored.
[h=3]WHO advice[/h] Although the cause of this event is yet to be determined, information is being shared with Member States to raise awareness of the situation and to alert countries for similar events in their territories. For these reasons and to further the understanding of the etiology of this event, PAHO/WHO urges Member States to report any increase of microcephaly or other neurological disorders in newborns that cannot be explained by known causes. Recommendations by PAHO/WHO are available in the Epidemiological Alert (see related links).