Geospatial surveillance of yellow fever in non-human primates: immunization strategy in a city in São Paulo

Abstract

Introduction: Yellow fever is an infectious disease that occurs in outbreaks spaced over time. In 2016, the largest epizootic circulation of the wild cycle of the disease began in the Southeast region of Brazil. Objective: To describe the experience of a municipality facing the spread of the yellow virus and its vaccination strategy. Methodology: This is an experience report carried out in a municipality in the interior of the State of São Paulo in 2017. Results: Howler monkeys presented a positive predictive value as a sentinel species, demonstrating a pattern of dispersion in the north-south direction of the territory, according to the theory of ecological corridors. 3,952 doses of vaccine were applied in the home strategy in rural areas or close to forest fragments. There were no records of human cases or deaths. Conclusion: Geospatial surveillance of viral circulation made it possible to plan the immunization strategy for priority populations in a scenario of insufficient vaccine supply, acting in a preventive and timely manner to reduce human cases, with the potential for replication in future risk scenarios.