Surveillance Service of Yellow Fever in Non-Human Primates in the Federal District, Brazil, 2008-2022

Surveillance of non-human primate (NHP) deaths is vital for the early detection of yellow fever (YF) and prevention of its spread to the human population. This study assessed the YF surveillance system for NHPs in the Brazilian Federal District (FD) from 2008 to 2022.

A retrospective analysis of the aggregated data from 15 years of outbreak surveillance involving NHP deaths was conducted. The analyzed variables included spatiotemporal distribution, species, sex, age, sample collection, cause of death, and YF test results.

In total, 1,175 outbreaks involving 1,353 NHP deaths were recorded, averaging 1.35 animals per outbreak, in urban and peri-urban areas. Twenty YF-positive outbreaks were confirmed in 2008, 2015, and 2020, affecting 27 animals, mainly adult Callithrix spp., with an overall YF positivity rate of 2%. Surveillance coverage expanded across all administrative regions of FD, with 96.7% of NHP deaths sampled for YF and pathological analysis. Over the last 5 years, the rate of conclusive diagnoses has increased by 60%, with trauma and infectious diseases being the most common causes of death.

The strategic location of FD reinforces the need for ongoing NHP death surveillance as an early warning tool for patients with YF. Continued enhancement of the diagnostic capacity and data integration is essential for strengthening the prevention and control efforts of YF in Brazil.