Accuracy of the Dual Path Platform (DPP) rapid test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis: A multi-center study in six Brazilian states.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with significant global impact and a challenging diagnosis. The utilization of adequately validated rapid tests is relevant for the opportune identification of the disease and for reduction in fatality rates. The present study analyzes the accuracy and reliability of the Dual Path Platform (DPP) assay -produced in Brazil by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)- for diagnosing leptospirosis.

Magnitude and distribution of deaths due to hantavirus in Brazil, 2007-2015.

Objective: to describe the magnitude and temporal and spatial distribution of hantavirus cases and deaths in Brazil between 2007 and 2015.

Methods: descriptive study with data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN).

Results: 1,060 cases and 410 deaths were reported in the period; hantavirus lethality was 39.

An update on the epidemiological situation of spotted fever in Brazil.

Background: Spotted fever is a tick-borne rickettsial disease. In Brazil, its notification to the Ministry of Health is compulsory. Since 2007, cases of spotted fever have been integrated to the Notifiable Diseases Information System, and epidemiological analyzes are part of the routines on surveillance programs.

Vulnerability of Brazilian municipalities to hantavirus infections based on multi-criteria decision analysis.

Background: Hantavirus infection is an emerging zoonosis transmitted by wild rodents. In Brazil, high case-fatality rates among humans infected with hantavirus are of serious concern to public health authorities. Appropriate preventive measures partly depend on reliable knowledge about the geographical distribution of this disease.