Microcephaly epidemic related to the Zika virus and living conditions in Recife, Northeast Brazil

• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5039-z
• Publication Date: 2018-01-12T12:39:45Z
• Authors: Wayner Vieira de ...; Maria de Fátima P...; Enrique Vazquez; Luciana Caroline ...; Antonio da Cruz G...; Tereza Maciel Lyra; Thalia Velho Barr...; André Luiz Sá de ...; Maria Cynthia Braga; Ricardo Arraes de...; Demócrito de Barr...; Amanda Priscila d...; Laura Rodrigues; Celina Maria Turc...
• Keywords: Microcephaly; Zika Virus

Starting in August 2015, there was an increase the number of cases neonatal microcephaly Northeast Brazil. These findings were identified as being epidemic related to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The present study aims analyse spatial distribution Recife (2015–2016), which is Brazil, and its association with living conditions this city. This ecological that used data from reported State Health Department Pernambuco (August 2015 July 2016). basic unit analysis 94 districts Recife. case definition was: neonates a head circumference less than cut-off point −2 standard deviations below mean value established Fenton growth curve. As indicator districts, percentage heads households income twice minimum wage calculated. classified into four homogeneous strata using K-means clustering algorithm. We plotted locations each over layer conditions. During period, 347 reported, 142 (40.9%) fulfilled case. Stratification resulted identification strata. highest stratum relation presented lowest prevalence rate microcephaly, overall difference between rates other statistically significant. results Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated strong higher poor After first 6 months no recorded within population richest socio-economic showed those residing areas precarious had compared populations better