The number of cases has risen beyond the expected seasonal figures from November 1999 to January 2000. As of 15 January 2000 a total of 1,862 cases with 28 deaths had been reported and adults were more affected than children. Problems identified were lack of protection of latrines and inadequate water supplies and unprotected water. Control measures were initiated and currently the number of cases appears to be decreasing. The Ministry of Health has sufficient medical supplies to deal with this outbreak.
Active surveillance is in place throughout the country.
Immunisation programs and vector control measures are being carried out. Adequate supplies of yellow fever vaccine are available in Brazil. The 23 year old student who contracted Lassa fever while in Africa in November died on 15 January 2000 in Germany. No secondary cases have been reported. The WHO Polio Eradication Programme has reported a case of polio which was first reported in Qinghai Province, on 13 October 1999.