Echovirus 30 detection in an outbreak of acute myalgia and rhabdomyolysis, Brazil 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVES: To describe an outbreak of acute myalgia accompanied by elevated levels of muscle enzymes that occurred in the northeast region of Brazil from December 2016 through to May 2017.

METHODS: Clinical data were analysed and laboratory tests were performed in 86 specimens obtained from 52 individuals with suspected acute myalgia. A broader reactive enterovirus real-time RT-PCR followed by a semi-nested PCR amplification of partial VP1 gene were performed to identify the causative agent.

RESULTS: Eighty-six clinical samples were received in our laboratory during the myalgia outbreak. Median age of individuals was 39 years. Sudden acute myalgia and dark urine were the most common symptoms. Creatine phosphokinase levels were elevated with mean value ∼16 893 U/L. Human enterovirus was detected in 67% (58/86) of the patient's specimens (urine, serum, faeces and rectal swab). The enterovirus positivity per patient was 82.7% (43/52). Echovirus 30 (E-30) (82% of the typed specimens, 18/22; 76.4% (13/17) of the typed specimens per patient) was the main enterovirus identified. In addition to E-30, CV-A16 (1/22) and E-6 (3/22) were detected in 4% and 14% of the typed specimens, respectively. No deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION: The 2016-2017 outbreak of acute myalgia that occurred in the northeast region of Brazil can be associated with E-30. Despite the clinical manifestations, a favourable outcome was observed for all patients.