COVID-19 Outbreak in a Large Penitentiary Complex, April-June 2020, Brazil.

An outbreak of coronavirus disease began in a large penitentiary complex in Brazil on April 1, 2020. By June 12, there were 1,057 confirmed cases among inmates and staff. Nine patients were hospitalized, and 3 died. Mean serial interval was ≈2.5 days; reproduction number range was 1.0-2.3.

The methodological quality of economic evaluations of measles outbreaks: A systematic review of cost-of-illness studies.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the main cost components included in the economic evaluations of measles outbreaks, their items and cost drivers, and evaluate the quality of costing methodology, analyzing the key features that may affect the validity of these studies in countries with different income levels. METHODS: We systematically searched multiple databases EMBASE, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde do Ministério da Saúde (BVS MS), NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) and NHS Health Technology Assessment (NHS HTA) (via The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Library - CRD), and EconLit, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, selecting cost analysis and cost of illness studies (COI) of measles outbreaks. Two independent reviewers screened articles for relevance and extracted the data. The quality of costing methods was assessed using a guide to critical evaluation of COI studies. We performed a qualitative narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were reviewed. Most studies evaluated outbreaks that occurred from 2011 to 2013 and 2017 to 2019. Total costs varied from $40,147 to $39.3 million. Per case cost varied from $168 to $49,439. The main drivers of measles outbreak costs were outbreak response, personnel, and productivity losses. Most studies (20/22) did not report the costing methodology adopted, the degree of disaggregation used in the identification and measurement of resource and costs components and the method for the valuation of resource and cost components. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the costing methodology, its transparency and accuracy are essential to the validity of these studies results and their potential use to allocate public health resources in the most efficient manner and to inform measles outbreak control strategies, with rapid and effective response.

SARS CoV-2 seroprevalence and diagnostic accuracy during a COVID-19 outbreak in a major penitentiary complex in Brazil, June to July 2020.

PURPOSE: This study aims to estimate the overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and evaluate the accuracy of an antibody rapid test compared to a reference serological assay during a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison complex housing over 13,000 prisoners in Brasília. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The authors obtained a randomized, stratified representative sample of each prison unit and conducted a repeated serosurvey among prisoners between June and July 2020, using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA). Samples were also retested using a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) to compare SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and 21-days incidence, as well as to estimate the overall infection fatality rate (IFR) and determine the diagnostic accuracy of the LFIA test. FINDINGS: This study identified 485 eligible individuals and enrolled 460 participants. Baseline and 21-days follow-up seroprevalence were estimated at 52.0% (95% CI 44.9-59.0) and 56.7% (95% CI 48.2-65.3) with LFIA; and 80.7% (95% CI 74.1-87.3) and 81.1% (95% CI 74.4-87.8) with CLIA, with an overall IFR of 0.02%. There were 78.2% (95% CI 66.7-89.7) symptomatic individuals among the positive cases. Sensitivity and specificity of LFIA were estimated at 43.4% and 83.3% for IgM; 46.5% and 91.5% for IgG; and 59.1% and 77.3% for combined tests. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The authors found high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within the prison complex. The occurrence of asymptomatic infection highlights the importance of periodic mass testing in addition to case-finding of symptomatic individuals; however, the field performance of LFIA tests should be validated. This study recommends that vaccination strategies consider the inclusion of prisoners and prison staff in priority groups.

Effect of vaccination against Covid-19 one year after its introduction in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, several efforts have been made to develop, distribute and administer safe and effective vaccines to reduce morbidity and mortality and control the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the effect of vaccination against Covid-19, one year after its introduction in Brazil. METHODS: An ecological study that analyzed the general effect of vaccination against Covid-19 on disease morbidity and mortality indicators among the Brazilian population aged 18 years or older per epidemiological week (EW), comparing the pre and postvaccination period. Morbidity and mortality indicators were calculated from secondary databases (hospitalization rate, severity, case fatality rate and mortality) and vaccination coverage by age groups (18 to 59 years and 60 years or older). Morbimortality trends were estimated using the JoinPoint model and their association with vaccine coverage using the Poisson model. RESULTS: The average weekly percentage change (AWPC) of morbidity and mortality indicators reduced after the introduction of Covid-19 vaccination: hospitalization rate (from 15.3% to -6.0%), severity (from 0.4% to -0.2%), case fatality rate (from 0.3% to -0.2%) and mortality (from 20.5% to -4.3%). The following indicators were inversely associated with the increase in vaccine coverage against Covid-19: hospitalization (IRR: 0.974), mortality (IRR: 0.975) and lethality for people aged 60 years or older (IRR: 0.997). CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the three epidemic waves and the circulation of variants of concern, the general effect of vaccination against Covid-19 in reducing the trend of morbidity and mortality from the disease in Brazil was demonstrated. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mass vaccination program against Covid-19 and may inform future public health policies.

SARS-CoV-2 among inmates aged over 60 during a COVID-19 outbreak in a penitentiary complex in Brazil: Positive health outcomes despite high prevalence.

OBJECTIVES: To assess SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and health outcomes among inmates over 60 years during a COVID-19 outbreak in a major penitentiary complex in the Federal District, Brazil. METHODS: A mass test campaign was performed on May 13, 2020, using antibody-detection rapid tests for asymptomatic inmates and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing for those who were symptomatic. Those with negative results were retested on June 16. Inmates were interviewed to characterise background health conditions and the presence of symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 159 inmates were evaluated. In the first mass testing, 79.9% (127/159) of inmates had been infected, of whom 53.5% (68/127) reported symptoms. In the second testing round, 17 new cases were identified, increasing the total to 90.6% (144/159) of inmates with a positive result. Comorbidities were present in 67.3% of inmates; 2 hospitalisations and no COVID-related deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: More than 90% of inmates aged >60 years were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the outbreak. Periodic health monitoring, active case finding and early care for symptomatic patients contributed to positive post-infection outcomes. Such measures must be considered essential for the surveillance of COVID-19 in environments with limited capacity to promote social distance, such as penitentiary institutions.

Retrospective cohort of children and adolescents hospitalized by COVID-19 in Brazil from the beginning of the pandemic to August 1st, 2020. / Coorte retrospectiva de crianças e adolescentes hospitalizados por COVID-19 no Brasil do início da pandemia a 1º de agosto de 2020.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the study population, estimating the in-hospital lethality rate by state and analysing associated factors with COVID-19-related deaths. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out of hospitalised children and adolescents diagnosed with COVID-19, confirmed by RT-PCR, whose outcome was death by COVID-19 or recovery, from 2020 March 1 to August 1. The data source was the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe in Brazilian acronym), where patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are notified. Children were defined as those between the ages of 0 and 11, and adolescents those between 12 and 18. A bi and multivariate analysis were performed using Poisson Regression with robust variance, with adjusted Relative Risk as the final association measure. RESULTS: A total of 4,930 cases were analysed; 2,553 (51.8%) were males, 2,335 (47.4%) were brown-skinned. The Federative Unit of Roraima presented the highest in-hospital case-fatality rate, with 68.8% (11/16). Multivariate analysis showed that belonging to the age group adolescent (RR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.12 - 2.25; p = 0.009), SARS-critical patient (RR = 4.56; 95%CI 2, 77 - 7.51; p < 0.001) and presenting immunological disorders (RR = 2.24; 95%CI 1.58 - 3.17; p < 0.001) as comorbidities were statistically associated factors with death by COVID-19. CONCLUSION: It was observed that adolescents, SARS-critical patients, and presence of immunological disorders were important factors associated with death. Active surveillance and differentiated care are recommended for patients with chronic diseases and special immunological conditions.

OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar a população do estudo, estimar a taxa de letalidade intra-hospitalar por estado e analisar fatores associados aos óbitos por COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo de coorte retrospectiva de crianças e adolescentes hospitalizados com diagnóstico de COVID-19 confirmado por transcrição reversa seguida de reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR), tendo como desfecho óbito por COVID-19 ou recuperação, entre 1º de março e 1º de agosto de 2020. A fonte de dados foi o Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe), ao qual são notificados pacientes internados com Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG). Consideraram-se crianças os pacientes com idade entre 0 e 11 anos completos e adolescentes aqueles com idade entre 12 e 18 anos completos. Realizou-se análise bi e multivariável por meio de Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, utilizando-se como medida de associação final o Risco Relativo ajustado (RRa). RESULTADOS: Dos 4.930 casos analisados, 2.553 (51,8%) eram do sexo masculino. A raça/cor autodeclarada parda foi a mais frequente, com 2.335 (47,4%). A unidade federativa de Roraima apresentou a maior taxa de letalidade intra-hospitalar, com 68,8% (n = 11/16). A análise multivariada mostrou que pertencer ao grupo etário adolescente (RR = 1,59; IC95% 1,12 - 2,25; p = 0,009), ter sido classificado como SRAG-crítico (RR = 4,56; IC95% 2,77 - 7,51; p < 0,001) e apresentar imunopatia (RR = 2,24; IC95% 1,58 - 3,17; p < 0,001) como comorbidade configuraram-se como fatores associados ao óbito pela COVID-19. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que ser adolescente, ter classificação de SRAG-crítico e imunopatia como comorbidade foram importantes fatores associados ao óbito. Recomenda-se vigilância ativa e cuidados diferenciados a portadores de doenças crônicas e condições imunológicas especiais.

Factors associated with severity of adverse events following yellow fever vaccination during the biggest outbreak of the disease recorded in Brazil, 2016-2017. / Fatores associados à gravidade dos eventos adversos pós-vacinação contra a febre amarela durante o maior surto da doença registrado no Brasil, 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze characteristics, incidence and factors associated with serious adverse events (SAEs) following yellow fever vaccination during an outbreak of the disease in Brazil (2016-2017). METHODS: this was a case-control study using data from the National Immunization Program Information System (SI-PNI); SAE were considered to be cases, and non-serious adverse events (NSAE) were considered to be controls. RESULTS: we analyzed 135 SAE cases and 1,058 controls; of the 135 SAE, 79 (58.5%) were males and median age was 28 years [09-49]; incidence in January 2017 reached 1.3 case per 100,000 vaccine doses administered; there was statistical association with males (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.73 - 95%CI 1.20;2.48), primary vaccination (OR=1.65 - 95%CI 1.01;2.71), and being 60 years of age or older taking as reference those aged under 5 (OR=4.4; p-value <0.02). CONCLUSION: SAE owing to yellow fever vaccine showed a greater chance of occurring in men, the elderly and primary vaccination.

Evaluation of the Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Surveillance System, Brazil, 2013-2017. / Avaliação do Sistema de Vigilância da Tuberculose Drogarresistente, Brasil, 2013-2017.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the Brazilian Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Surveillance System (DRTB-SS). METHODS: this was an evaluative study, following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, using national data from the Special Tuberculosis Treatment Information System (SITETB), and the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from 2013 to 2017. RESULTS: average data completeness was 95% (schooling [89.1%; 5,417/6,078], nationality [94.7%; 5,754/6,078], race/skin color [99.1%; 6,023/6,078], type of resistance [98.6%; 5,995/6,078], clinical form [100%; 6,078/6,078], and HIV test [87%; 5,289/6,078]); average proportion of cases with sputum cultures performed was 65.7% (culture 1 [94.8%; 5,764/6,078], culture 2 [69.8%; 4,241/6,078], culture 3 [54.7%, 3,324/6,078], and culture 4 [43.6%; 2,652/6,078]); DRTB-SS reported 52% (1,197/2,300) of multi-resistant cases estimated by the World Health Organization in 2015, 41.3% (990/2,400) in 2016, and 45.8% (1,100/2,400) in 2017. CONCLUSION: low DRTB-SS sensitivity suggests the need for improved access to DRTB diagnosis.

Description of COVID-19 hospitalized health worker cases in the first nine weeks of the pandemic, Brazil, 2020. / Descrição dos casos hospitalizados pela COVID-19 em profissionais de saúde nas primeiras nove semanas da pandemia, Brasil, 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To describe COVID-19 hospitalized health worker cases in Brazil. METHODS: This was a descriptive case series study; it included cases that became ill between February 21st and April 15th, 2020 registered on the Influenza Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe, acronym in Portuguese). RESULTS: Of the 184 cases, 110 (59.8%) were female and median age was 44 years (min-max: 23-85); 89 (48.4%) were nursing professionals and 50 (27.2%) were doctors. Ninety-two (50.0%) presented comorbidity, with heart disease predominating (n=37; 40.2%). Of the 112 professionals with a record of case progression, 85 (75.9%) were cured and 27 (24.1%) died, 18 of whom were male. CONCLUSION: The profile of COVID-19 hospitalized health workers is similar to that of the general population with regard to age and comorbidities, but different in relation to sex. The most affected areas were nursing and medicine.

Evaluation of the national meningococcal disease surveillance system: Brazil, 2007-2017. / Avaliação do sistema nacional de vigilância da doença meningocócica: Brasil, 2007-2017.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate meningococcal disease (MD) surveillance from 2007-2017, according to its attributes. METHODS: this was a descriptive study of the 'timeliness', 'representativeness', 'simplicity', 'flexibility', 'data quality', 'acceptability' and 'usefulness' attributes of the system, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines; we used National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) data, with onset of symptoms between 2007-2017. RESULTS: the system was found to be complex with eight case definitions and six laboratory confirmations; flexible, with adequate description of epidemiological changes; good chemoprophylaxis, active tracing and serogrouping completeness; low acceptability with chemoprophylaxis found in less than 70.0% of records; timely, with excellent investigation, closure and collection of cerebrospinal fluid; representative, in its description of MD in Brazil; useful, adequately guiding control actions. CONCLUSION: different clinical presentations of MD and the need for rapid case management interfere with the system's acceptability and complexity; the latter, however, is useful for epidemiological analysis.

Outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome possibly related to prior Zika virus infection, Metropolitan Region of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2015. / Surto de síndrome de Guillain-Barré possivelmente relacionado à infecção prévia pelo vírus Zika, Região Metropolitana do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, 2015.

OBJETIVO: to investigate the occurrence of GBS in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, PE, Brazil, 2015. METHODS: this was a descriptive study using data from the Hospital Information System, National Pharmaceutical Services Management System and interviews; GBS cases were classified according to Brighton criteria and prior infection according to laboratory and clinical criteria. RESULTS: in 2015, the number of GBS hospitalizations had a threefold increase in comparison to 2014. We investigated 44 confirmed or probable GBS cases, of which 18 had symptoms of Zika infection up to 35 days before the occurrence of GBS, mainly rash; one case was laboratory-confirmed for Zika virus infection and one death was registered. CONCLUSION: the findings reinforce a possible relationship between GBS and Zika infection, given the absence of increased GBS occurrence in previous dengue epidemic years, absence of chikungunya transmission records, presence of clinical manifestations compatible with infection and a laboratory confirmation.

[Investigation of an outbreak of acute Chagas disease outside the Amazon Region, in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, 2016]. / Investigação de surto de doença de Chagas aguda na região extra-amazônica, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, 2016.

The aim of this article was to confirm and describe an outbreak of acute Chagas disease involving oral transmission in the western region of Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. This was a descriptive case series study in which the data sources were medical records and interviews with suspected cases from September 16 to November 19, 2015. An entomological investigation was conducted in the probable sites of infection for acute Chagas disease cases. Eighteen cases of acute Chagas disease were confirmed in residents of four municipalities (counties) in Rio Grande do Norte State. The most frequently reported signs and symptoms were fever and weakness (n = 18), followed by myalgia (n = 17), prostration, loss of appetite, and edema of the lower limbs (n = 15). Median duration of fever was 20 days (range: 6 to 45 days). Fifteen cases were confirmed by the laboratory criterion and three by epidemiological link with consistent clinical characteristics. All confirmed cases reported having consumed sugar cane juice from the same mill. A total of 110 triatomines were captured on the plantation where the sugar cane had been crushed for juice. The insects were found in the peridomicile, in stacks of firewood and close to the sugar cane mill. The majority of the captured specimens were Triatoma brasiliensis and showed a natural infection rate of 63%. The Chagas disease outbreak was confirmed with oral transmission via ingestion of sugar cane juice contaminated with infected triatomines, as evidenced by the epidemiological link between the investigated cases and the entomological survey in the probable site where the infection occurred.

O objetivo do artigo foi confirmar e descrever um surto da doença de Chagas aguda por transmissão oral na mesorregião Oeste Potiguar, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo série de casos, tendo como fonte de dados os registros de atendimentos médicos e entrevistas com os casos suspeitos entre 16 de setembro e 19 de novembro de 2015. Realizou-se pesquisa entomológica nas prováveis localidades de infecção dos casos de doença de Chagas aguda. Foram confirmados 18 casos de doença de Chagas aguda em residentes de quatro municípios do Rio Grande do Norte. Os sinais e sintomas mais relatados foram febre e fraqueza (n = 18), seguidos de mialgia (n = 17), prostração, inapetência e edema de membros inferiores (n = 15). A mediana de duração da febre foi de 20 dias (intervalo: 6 a 45 dias). Quinze casos foram confirmados por critério laboratorial e três por vínculo epidemiológico com clínica compatível. Todos os casos confirmados relataram ter consumido caldo de cana da mesma procedência. Foram capturados 110 triatomíneos na fazenda onde ocorreu a moagem da cana consumida. Os insetos estavam no peridomicílio, em amontoados de lenha e próximos ao engenho. A maioria dos exemplares capturados era da espécie Triatoma brasiliensis, e apresentou um índice de infecção natural de 63%. Foi confirmado surto da doença de Chagas de transmissão oral por ingestão de caldo de cana contaminado por triatomíneo infectado, evidenciado pelo vínculo epidemiológico entre os casos investigados e a pesquisa entomológica no local provável de infecção.

El objetivo de este artículo fue confirmar y describir un brote de la enfermedad de Chagas aguda por transmisión oral en la mesorregión oeste de Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo del tipo serie de casos, contando como fuente de datos los registros de atención médica y entrevistas en los casos sospechosos entre el 16 de septiembre y el 19 de noviembre de 2015. Se realizó una investigación entomológica en las probables localidades de infección de los casos de enfermedad de Chagas aguda. Fueron confirmados 18 casos de enfermedad de Chagas aguda en residentes de cuatro municipios de Rio Grande do Norte. Los signos y síntomas más informados fueron fiebre y debilidad (n = 18), seguidos de mialgia (n = 17), postración, inapetencia y edema de miembros inferiores (n = 15). La media de duración de la fiebre fue de 20 días (intervalo: 6 a 45 días). Quince casos fueron confirmados por criterio de laboratorio y tres por vínculo epidemiológico con clínica compatible. Todos los casos confirmados informaron haber consumido caldo de caña de la misma procedencia. Fueron capturados 110 triatominos en la hacienda donde se produjo la molienda de la caña consumida. Los insectos estaban en el peridomicilio, en montones de leña y cerca del ingenio azucarero. La mayoría de los ejemplares capturados era de la especie Triatoma brasiliensis, y presentó un índice de infección natural de un 63%. Se confirmó un brote de la enfermedad de Chagas de transmisión oral por ingestión de caldo de caña contaminado por triatomino infectado, evidenciado por el vínculo epidemiológico entre los casos investigados y la investigación entomológica en el lugar probable de infección.

Association and birth prevalence of microcephaly attributable to Zika virus infection among infants in Paraíba, Brazil, in 2015-16: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, the number of infants born with microcephaly increased in Paraíba, Brazil, after a suspected Zika virus outbreak. We did a retrospective case-control investigation to assess the association of microcephaly and Zika virus. METHODS: We enrolled cases reported to the national database for microcephaly and born between Aug 1, 2015, and Feb 1, 2016, on the basis of their birth head circumference and total body length. We identified controls from the national birth registry and matched them to cases by location, aiming to enrol a minimum of two controls per case. Mothers of both cases and controls were asked about demographics, exposures, and illnesses and infants were measured at a follow-up visit 1-7 months after birth. We took blood samples from mothers and infants and classified those containing Zika virus IgM and neutralising antibodies as evidence of recent infection. We calculated prevalence of microcephaly and odds ratios (ORs) using a conditional logistic regression model with maximum penalised conditional likelihood, and combined these ORs with exposure probability estimates to determine the attributable risk. FINDINGS: We enrolled 164 of 706 infants with complete information reported with microcephaly at birth, of whom we classified 91 (55%) as having microcephaly on the basis of their birth measurements, 36 (22%) as small, 21 (13%) as disproportionate, and 16 (10%) as not having microcephaly. 43 (26%) of the 164 infants had microcephaly at follow-up for an estimated prevalence of 5·9 per 1000 livebirths. We enrolled 114 control infants matched to the 43 infants classified as having microcephaly at follow-up. Infants with microcephaly at follow-up were more likely than control infants to be younger (OR 0·5, 95% CI 0·4-0·7), have recent Zika virus infection (21·9, 7·0-109·3), or a mother with Zika-like symptoms in the first trimester (6·2, 2·8-15·4). Once Zika virus infection and infant age were controlled for, we found no significant association between microcephaly and maternal demographics, medications, toxins, or other infections. Based on the presence of Zika virus antibodies in infants, we concluded that 35-87% of microcephaly occurring during the time of our investigation in northeast Brazil was attributable to Zika virus. We estimate 2-5 infants per 1000 livebirths in Paraíba had microcephaly attributable to Zika virus. INTERPRETATION: Time of exposure to Zika virus and evidence of infection in the infants were the only risk factors associated with microcephaly. This investigation has improved understanding of the outbreak of microcephaly in northeast Brazil and highlights the need to obtain multiple measurements after birth to establish if an infant has microcephaly and the need for further research to optimise testing criteria for congenital Zika virus infection. FUNDING: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Guillain-Barré syndrome and other neurological manifestations possibly related to Zika virus infection in municipalities from Bahia, Brazil, 2015. / Síndrome de Guillain-Barré e outras manifestações neurológicas possivelmente relacionadas à infecção pelo vírus Zika em municípios da Bahia, 2015.

Objective: to describe the reported cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and other neurological manifestations with a history of dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus infections, in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador and in the municipality of Feira de Santana, Brazil. Methods: this is a descriptive study with data of an investigation conducted by the epidemiological surveillance from March to August 2015; to confirm the neurological manifestations, medical diagnosis records were considered, and to prior infection, clinical and laboratory criteria were used. Results: 138 individuals were investigated, 57 reported infectious process up to 31 days before neurological symptoms - 30 possibly due to Zika, 13 to dengue, 8 to chikungunya and 6 were inconclusive -; GBS was the most frequent neurological condition (n=46), with predominance of male sex (n=32) and the median age was 44. Conclusion: most cases reported a clinical picture consistent with acute Zika virus disease, which preceded the occurrence of neurological symptoms.

Increased rates of Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Zika virus outbreak in the Salvador metropolitan area, Brazil.

In mid-2015, Salvador, Brazil, reported an outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), coinciding with the introduction and spread of Zika virus (ZIKV). We found that GBS incidence during April-July 2015 among those ≥12 years of age was 5.6 cases/100,000 population/year and increased markedly with increasing age to 14.7 among those ≥60 years of age. We conducted interviews with 41 case-patients and 85 neighborhood controls and found no differences in demographics or exposures prior to GBS-symptom onset. A higher proportion of case-patients (83%) compared to controls (21%) reported an antecedent illness (OR 18.1, CI 6.9-47.5), most commonly characterized by rash, headache, fever, and myalgias, within a median of 8 days prior to GBS onset. Our investigation confirmed an outbreak of GBS, particularly in older adults, that was strongly associated with Zika-like illness and geo-temporally associated with ZIKV transmission, suggesting that ZIKV may result in severe neurologic complications.

Description of the first cases of Zika virus fever investigated in municipalities of the Brazilian Northeastern Region, 2015. / Descrição dos primeiros casos de febre pelo vírus Zika investigados em municípios da região Nordeste do Brasil, 2015.

OBJECTIVE: to confirm Zika virus circulation and discard other etiological agents in an outbreak occurred in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Maranhão and Paraíba, in May, 2015. METHODS: this is a case series descriptive study with residents in Natal-RN, Barra do Corda-MA, São Luis-MA and João Pessoa-PB, with 20 cases in each state, presenting rash, absent or mild fever and one of the following signs/symptoms: conjunctival hyperemia, arthralgia or limb edema; RT-PCR/isolation tests for Zika, enterovirus and respiratory viruses, and serology tests (dengue, rubella and parvovirus B19) were performed. RESULTS: the main symptoms were rash (n=60), pruritus (n=54), and arthralgia (n=47); 51 individuals did not present fever; Zika virus was identified in 18 cases (12 in Paraíba, four in Maranhão and two in Rio Grande do Norte), and antibodies to dengue, in 14 cases. CONCLUSION: the symptoms were consistent with Zika virus fever; there was laboratory confirmation for Zika and dengue.

Characteristics of the first cases of microcephaly possibly related to Zika virus reported in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. / Características dos primeiros casos de microcefalia possivelmente relacionados ao vírus Zika notificados na Região Metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the first cases of microcephaly possibly related to Zika virus in live born babies reported in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. METHODS: this was a descriptive case series study (cases reported between August 1st and October 31st 2015), using medical record data and data from a questionnaire answered by the mothers of the babies. RESULTS: 40 microcephaly cases were confirmed, distributed in eight municipalities within the Metropolitan Region, with Recife itself having the highest concentration of cases (n=12); median head circumference was 29 cm, median chest girth was 31 cm and median weight was 2,628 grams; 21/25 cases had brain calcification, ventriculomegaly or lissencephaly; 27 of the 40 mothers reported rash during pregnancy, 20 in the first trimester and 7 in the second trimester, as well as itching, headache, myalgia and absence of fever. CONCLUSION: the majority of the cases bore the characteristics of congenital infection; the clinical condition of the majority of mothers suggested Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

Avaliação do Sistema de Vigilância da Tuberculose Drogarresistente, Brasil, 2013-2017 / Evaluación del Sistema de Vigilancia de la Tuberculosis Drogorresistente, Brasil, 2013-2017 / Evaluation of the Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Surveillance System, Brazil, 2013-2017

Objetivo: avaliar o Sistema de Vigilância da Tuberculose Drogarresistente (SV-TBDR)/Brasil. Métodos: estudo avaliativo, segundo diretrizes do Centro de Controle e Prevenção de Doenças, sobre dados nacionais do Sistema de Informação de Tratamentos Especiais de Tuberculose (SITETB) e do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) de 2013-2017. Resultados: a completitude média dos dados foi de 95% (escolaridade [89,1%; 5.417/6.078]; nacionalidade [94,7%; 5.754/6.078]; raça/cor da pele [99,1%; 6.023/6.078]; tipo de resistência [98,6%; 5.995/6.078]; forma clínica [100%; 6.078/6.078]; e teste para HIV [87%; 5.289/6.078]); a proporção média de casos com culturas realizadas foi de 65,7% (cultura 1 [94,8%; 5.764/6.078]; cultura 2 [69,8%; 4.241/6.078]; cultura 3 [54,7%; 3.324/6.078]; e cultura 4 [43,6%; 2.652/6.078]); em 2015, o SV-TBDR notificou 52% (1.197/2.300) dos casos multirresistentes estimados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, 41,3% (990/2.400) em 2016 e 45,8% (1.100/2.400) em 2017. Conclusão: a baixa sensibilidade do SV-TBDR recomenda melhorias no acesso ao diagnóstico da TBDR.

Objetivo: evaluar el Sistema de Vigilancia de la Tuberculosis Drogorresistente (SV-TB -DR)/Brasil. Métodos: estudio evaluativo, según directrices del Centro de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades, sobre datos nacionales del Sistema de Información de Tratamientos Especiales de Tuberculosis (SITETB) y del Sistema Nacional de Agravamientos de Notificación (Sinan) entre 2013 y 2017. Resultados: la completitud promedio de los datos fue de 95% (escolaridad [89,1%; 5.417/6.078]; nacionalidad [94,7%; 5.754/6.078]; raza/color de la piel ­[99,1%; 6.023/6.078]; tipo de resistencia [98,6%; 5.995/6.078]; forma clínica [100%; 6.078/6.078]; y prueba de VIH [87%; 5.289/6.078]); la proporción promedio de los casos con cultivos realizados fue 65,7% (cultivo 1 [94,8%; 5.764/6.078]; cultivo 2 [69,8%; 4.241/6.078]; cultivo 3 [54,7%; 3.324/6.078]; y cultivo 4 [43,6%; 2.652/6.078]); el SV-TB-DR reportó en 2015 52% (1.197/2.300) de los casos multirresistentes estimados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, 41,3% (990/2.400) en 2016 y 45,8% (1.100/2.400) en 2017. Conclusión: la baja sensibilidad del SV-TB-DR sugiere la necesidad de mejorar el acceso al diagnóstico de TB-DR.

Objective: to evaluate the Brazilian Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Surveillance System (DRTB-SS). Methods: this was an evaluative study, following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, using national data from the Special Tuberculosis Treatment Information System (SITETB), and the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from 2013 to 2017. Results: average data completeness was 95% (schooling [89.1%; 5,417/6,078], nationality [94.7%; 5,754/6,078], race/skin color [99.1%; 6,023/6,078], type of resistance [98.6%; 5,995/6,078], clinical form [100%; 6,078/6,078], and HIV test [87%; 5,289/6,078]); average proportion of cases with sputum cultures performed was 65.7% (culture 1 [94.8%; 5,764/6,078], culture 2 [69.8%; 4,241/6,078], culture 3 [54.7%, 3,324/6,078], and culture 4 [43.6%; 2,652/6,078]); DRTB-SS reported 52% (1,197/2,300) of multi-resistant cases estimated by the World Health Organization in 2015, 41.3% (990/2,400) in 2016, and 45.8% (1,100/2,400) in 2017. Conclusion: low DRTB-SS sensitivity suggests the need for improved access to DRTB diagnosis.

Fatores associados à gravidade dos eventos adversos pós-vacinação contra a febre amarela durante o maior surto da doença registrado no Brasil, 2016-2017 / Factores asociados a la gravedad de los eventos adversos posvacunación contra la fiebre amarilla durante el mayor brote de la enfermedad registrado en Brasil, 2016-2017 / Factors associated with severity of adverse events following yellow fever vaccination during the biggest outbreak of the disease recorded in Brazil, 2016-2017

Resumo Objetivo: analisar características, incidência e fatores associados aos eventos adversos graves (EAGs) pós-vacinação contra febre amarela durante surto da doença no Brasil (2016-2017). Métodos: estudo de caso-controle, com dados do Sistema de Informações do Programa Nacional de Imunizações (SI-PNI); foram considerados casos os EAGs, e controles os eventos adversos não graves (EANGs). Resultados: foram analisados 135 casos de EAG e 1.058 controles; dos 135 EAGs, 79 (58,5%) eram homens, e a mediana de idade dos casos, 28 anos (intervalo interquartílico: 9-49); a incidência de EAG em janeiro de 2017 chegou a 1,3 caso por 100 mil doses aplicadas; houve associação estatística com o sexo masculino (odds ratio [OR]=1,73; IC95% 1,20;2,48), ser primovacinado (OR=1,65; IC95% 1,01;2,71), e ter idade ≥60 anos, tomando-se por referência os menores de 5 anos (OR=4,4; p-valor <0,02). Conclusão: EAG pela vacina da febre amarela apresentou maior chance de ocorrer em homens, idosos e primovacinados.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar características, incidencia y factores asociados a eventos adversos graves (EAG) posvacunación contra la fiebre amarilla durante brote de la enfermedad en Brasil (2016-2017). Métodos: estudio de caso-control, con datos del Sistema de Informaciones del Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones (SI-PNI); se consideraron casos los EAG, y controles los eventos adversos no graves (EANG). Resultados: se analizaron 135 casos de EAG y 1.058 controles; de los 135 EAG, 79 (58,5%) eran hombres, con edad promedio de 28 años [rango intercuartílico: 9-49]; la incidência en enero de 2017 llegó a 1,3 caso por 100 mil dosis aplicadas; ocurrió asociación estadística con el sexo masculino (odds ratio [OR]=1,73 - IC95% 1,20;2,48), ser primovacunado (OR=1,65 - IC95% 1,01;2,71), y tener ≥60 años de edad tomando como referencia a los menores de 5 años (OR=4,4; p-valor <0,02). Conclusión: EAG por la vacuna de la fiebre amarilla presentó mayor probabilidad de ocurrir en hombres, ancianos y primovacunados.

Abstract Objective: to analyze characteristics, incidence and factors associated with serious adverse events (SAEs) following yellow fever vaccination during an outbreak of the disease in Brazil (2016-2017). Methods: this was a case-control study using data from the National Immunization Program Information System (SI-PNI); SAE were considered to be cases, and non-serious adverse events (NSAE) were considered to be controls. Results: we analyzed 135 SAE cases and 1,058 controls; of the 135 SAE, 79 (58.5%) were males and median age was 28 years [09-49]; incidence in January 2017 reached 1.3 case per 100,000 vaccine doses administered; there was statistical association with males (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.73 - 95%CI 1.20;2.48), primary vaccination (OR=1.65 - 95%CI 1.01;2.71), and being 60 years of age or older taking as reference those aged under 5 (OR=4.4; p-value <0.02). Conclusion: SAE owing to yellow fever vaccine showed a greater chance of occurring in men, the elderly and primary vaccination.