#11,513
Brazil has released their weekly Microcephaly report card and it shows the
number of suspected cases under investigation has increased by 126 over the past 7 days, while the total number of confirmed microcephaly cases has risen by 22.
Upon further investigation, another 50 have been discarded as not meeting the criteria for microcephaly, leaving the number still under investigation at 3061.
This is the lowest number of confirmed microcephaly cases (n=22) we've seen reported since the crisis began last fall, and the 2nd lowest number of `cleared' cases.
While lower weekly numbers are a hopeful sign, the number of cases peaked between November and February, or six to nine months after the end of the Brazilian summer.
Given the seasonal variations in mosquito populations, and the 9 month human gestation period, we'll have to wait until November or December to see if that pattern repeats.
Meanwhile,we've seen more evidence to suggest fetal exposure to Zika results in more than just microcephaly (see The Lancet: Two Congenital Zika Virus Studies), and yesterday the Brazilian MOH announced plans to Re-Evaluate Criteria For Zika Congenital Syndrome.
Which means that some percentage of the 3400+ previously reviewed and `discarded' cases may still be affected by serious, but less obvious, neurological problems.This (translated) report from the Brazilian MOH.
Registration Date: 06/30/2016 11:06:32 the amended 30/06/2016 14:06:33 the
REPORT CARD
Microcephaly: 1,638 cases confirmed by the Ministry of Health
The weekly report gathers information submitted by state health departments until 25 June. Other 3,061 cases remain under investigation
The Ministry of Health released, on Thursday (30), microcephaly new data. By 25 June, it was confirmed 1,638 cases of microcephaly and other nervous system disorders, suggestive of congenital infection throughout the country.
Other 3,061 suspected cases of microcephaly across the country remain under investigation by the Ministry of Health and the states.
Check also: dengue cases in Brazil have anticipated fall Brazil evaluates changes in microcephaly protocol
Since the beginning of the investigation, in October last year , 8,165 cases were reported to the Ministry of Health. of these, 3,466 were discarded because of normal tests, or because they have microcephaly or malformations confirmed because noninfectious.
Were also discarded by do not meet the case definition. Of the total confirmed cases, 270 were confirmed by specific laboratory criteria for Zika virus. The Ministry of Health, however, points out that this figure does not represent adequately the total number of cases related to the virus. The folder considers that there was infection Zika most of the mothers who had babies with a final diagnosis of microcephaly.
The 1,638 confirmed cases in Brazil occurred in 582 municipalities located in all Brazilian states and the Federal District. The mortality rate in the same period, there were 328 suspected deaths of microcephaly and / or alteration of the central nervous system after childbirth or during pregnancy (miscarriage or stillbirth) in the country. This represents 4% of the total reported cases. Of these, 87 were confirmed to microcephaly and / or alteration of the central nervous system. Other 184 are still under investigation and 57 were discarded.
The Ministry of Health says it is investigating all cases of microcephaly and other disorders of the central nervous system informed by the states, as well as possible relationship with the Zika virus and other congenital infections. Microcephaly may be caused by , various infectious agents beyond Zika as Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, Other Infectious Agents, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Viral.
The folder guides pregnant women adopt measures to reduce the presence of Aedes aegypti, the elimination of breeding, and protect themselves from mosquito exposure, keeping doors and windows closed or screened, wear pants and long sleeved shirts and use repellents allowed to pregnant women.
