We report genetic evidence of WNV circulation from southern and northeastern Brazilian states isolated from equine red blood cells. In the northeastern state the tenth human case was also detected, presenting neuroinvasive disease compatible with WNV infection.
Our analyses demonstrate that much is still unknown on the virus’ local epidemiology. We advocate for a shift to active surveillance, to ensure adequate control for future epidemics with spill-over potential to humans.
Authors: Erica Azevedo Costa, Marta Giovanetti, Lilian Silva Catenacci, Vagner Fonseca, Flavia Aburjaile, Felipe Melo Campos Iani, Marcelo Adriano da Cunha e Silva Vieira, Danielle Freitas Henriques, Daniele Barbosa de Almeida, Maria Isabel Maldonado Coelho Guedes, Beatriz Senra Álvares da Silva Ramos, Aila Solimar Gonçalves Silva, Tulio de Oliveira, Karina Ribeiro Leite Jardim Cavalcante, Noely Fabiana Oliveira de Moura, Alessandro Pecego Martins Romano, Carlos F. Campelo de Albuquerque, Lauro César Soares Feitosa, José Joffre Martins Bayeux, Raffaella Bertoni Cavalcanti Teixeira, Osmaikon Lisboa Lobato, Silvokleio da Costa Silva, José Lourenço, Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara