Eurosurveillance
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BackgroundNorth-eastern Brazil was the region most affected by the outbreak of congenital Zika syndrome that followed the 2015 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemics, with thousands of suspected microcephaly cases reported to the health authorities, mostly between late 2015 and early 2016. Aim: To describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of the outbreak of congenital brain abnormalities (CBAs) and to evaluate the accuracy of different head circumference screening criteria in predicting CBAs. MethodBetween April 2015 and July 2016, the Centers for Information and Epidemiologic Surveillance of Salvador, Brazil investigated the reported cases suspected of microcephaly and, based on intracranial imaging studies, confirmed or excluded a diagnosis of CBA. ⋯ None of the head circumference screening criteria performed optimally in predicting CBAs. ConclusionThis study highlights the magnitude of neurological consequences of the ZIKV epidemic and the limitations of head circumference in accurately identifying children with CBA. Gestational symptoms compatible with ZIKV infection should be combined with imaging studies for efficient detection of suspect CBAs during ZIKV epidemics.
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We describe a multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae urethritis case with ceftriaxone resistance and azithromycin intermediate resistance in a heterosexual man in Ireland, August 2018. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the isolate IR72 belongs to the internationally spreading multidrug-resistant ceftriaxone-resistant FC428 clade, initially described in Japan in 2015. IR72 was assigned MSLT ST1903, NG-MAST ST17842 and NG-STAR type 1133, including the ceftriaxone resistance-mediating penA-60.001. Global awareness of spreading ceftriaxone-resistant gonococcal strains that threaten recommended dual therapies is essential.