Situation summary in the Americas
In 2015, three countries in the Americas have confirmed yellow fever virus circulation: Bolivia (epizootic), Brazil, and Peru (human cases).
In 2016, as of epidemiological week (EW) 28, three countries have reported jungle yellow fever: Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Epidemiological Situation
On 5 May 2016, the Brazil International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) had reported a fatal case of jungle yellow fever in a 38-year-old unvaccinated male resident of Bady Bassit, São Paulo with a history of travel to a rural area endemic for yellow fever.
On 19 July 2016, the Brazil IHR NFP notified another fatal yellow fever case detected in a 58-year-old male in the city of Niterói in the State of Rio de Janeiro. His symptoms began on the 29 March and on 31 March he sought medical attention while displaying symptoms of dyspnea, sweating, and hematemesis. He was hospitalized with a diagnosis of suspected typhoid fever and died on 2 April 2016. Laboratory tests were performed for typhoid (no microbial growth culture), dengue (MAC-ELISA: non-reactive; RT-qPCR non-detectable), and yellow fever (MAC-ELISA: non-reactive; RT-qPCR: positive). Health authorities are conducting an epidemiological investigation in relation to this event, which is expected to clarify the history of yellow fever vaccination and the places visited prior to the onset of symptoms. The information available thus far indicates that the patient was in Angola eight days prior to the onset of symptoms. Results of the virus genome sequencing are expected to indicate whether the virus is of vaccine or wild origin.
In addition, on 22 July 2016, the Brazil IHR NFP reported a new laboratory-confirmed fatalcase of yellow fever in the city of Goiánia, State of Goiás. The patient had onset of symptoms on 9 April. The yellow fever laboratory confirmation was made by immunohistochemistry essay. The epidemiological investigation to determine the probable site of infection remains underway.
In June 2016, the Colombia IHR NFP reported to PAHO/WHO a fatal case of jungle yellow fever in the municipality of La Macarena in the department of Meta, an area endemic for yellow fever.
On 20 July 2016, the Colombia IHR NFP reported a new fatal yellow fever case detected in the Carurú municipality in the department of Vaupés, which is bordered on the east by Brazil. This is the first documented yellow fever case in the department of Vaupés. The case is an 18-year-old male whose symptoms onset on 22 June and who died on 7 July 2016. The case was confirmed for yellow fever in liver tissue by RT-PCR. Health officials are carrying out an epidemiological investigation and have implemented public health prevention and control measures.
In Peru, up to EW 28 of 2016, there were 126 suspected cases of jungle yellow fever reported, including 17 deaths. Of the reported cases, 50 were confirmed, 28 were classified as probable, and 48 were discarded. Out of the 25 departments in Peru, cases have been reported in 8 departments, with the department of Junin reporting the most confirmed and probable cases (60 cases).