Yellow fever - Brazil

Since the beginning of the year, 61 suspected cases of yellow fever have been reported. Five have been laboratory confirmed, 8 discarded and for 48 the lab results are pending. Among the 5 confirmed cases one was detected in the State of Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro County), two have been identified in the State of Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo City and Campinas counties). These 3 cases were infected in Alto Paraíso county, State of Goiás, the same place of infection of 2 cases in residents of Brasília reported in late December 1999. The other 2 confirmed cases (both fatal) were reported by the Goiás State in residents of Doverlândia and Goiás Velho Counties, both in Goiás.

Active surveillance is in place throughout the country. All 5 confirmed cases are represent sylvatic transmission of yellow fever virus. There is no evidence of urban transmission.