Brazil Advances in Infectious Disease Control Amid Challenges from Oropouche Virus and HPV

Brazil has made notable progress in managing key infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, HPV-related cervical cancer, and the emerging Oropouche virus threat. In tuberculosis control, Brazil identified 89% of estimated cases in 2023, up from 75.8% in 2021, nearing the WHO goal of 90%. Enhanced molecular testing increased by 76.3%, and preventive treatment shows over 75% adherence among more than 46,000 people in 2025. Short regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis cover 95% of eligible patients, supported by a 98% BCG vaccination coverage.

Meanwhile, Brazil's HPV vaccination reached 82.83% coverage for girls and 67.26% for boys aged 9 to 14 in 2024. Efforts intensified in 2025, expanding vaccination to unvaccinated youth aged 15 to 19 with a single-dose regimen. Despite advances, cervical cancer deaths persist, partly due to opportunistic screening models leading to late diagnoses. Experts urge adoption of organized screening with molecular DNA-HPV tests and emphasize integrating vaccination, screening, and treatment to reduce cervical cancer incidence.

A new and pressing challenge is the Oropouche virus, which caused over 30,000 confirmed cases and the country's first death in 2023. Studies estimate that since 1960, approximately 5.5 million Brazilians have been infected. In Manaus alone, about 300,000 were infected recently, revealing significant underreporting. The virus, transmitted primarily by Culicoides mosquitoes in rural areas, has evolved genetically to increase spread and evade immunity, compelling public health officials to revise surveillance and control strategies.

These developments highlight Brazil's commitment to controlling infectious diseases through improved detection, vaccination, and tailored public health responses.