Epidemiological monitoring of the last outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil - An outlook from Portugal.

Background: Yellow Fever (YF) is a high fatality rate disease (30-50%) caused by Flavivirus, present in some African and South American countries. In order to determine the magnitude and epidemiological distribution of YF cases, vaccination coverage and most affected regions in Brazil, a descriptive epidemiological study monitoring the last outbreak was undertaken in Portugal.

Method: The Brazilian database "Portal da Saude" was used to collect data on cases of YF.

A study protocol to evaluate the relationship between outdoor air pollution and pregnancy outcomes.

Background: The present study protocol is designed to assess the relationship between outdoor air pollution and low birth weight and preterm births outcomes performing a semi-ecological analysis. Semi-ecological design studies are widely used to assess effects of air pollution in humans. In this type of analysis, health outcomes and covariates are measured in individuals and exposure assignments are usually based on air quality monitor stations.